US20150090818A1 - Shredder auto feed system - Google Patents
Shredder auto feed system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150090818A1 US20150090818A1 US14/042,384 US201314042384A US2015090818A1 US 20150090818 A1 US20150090818 A1 US 20150090818A1 US 201314042384 A US201314042384 A US 201314042384A US 2015090818 A1 US2015090818 A1 US 2015090818A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- feed
- shredder
- stack
- tray
- paper
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B02—CRUSHING, PULVERISING, OR DISINTEGRATING; PREPARATORY TREATMENT OF GRAIN FOR MILLING
- B02C—CRUSHING, PULVERISING, OR DISINTEGRATING IN GENERAL; MILLING GRAIN
- B02C18/00—Disintegrating by knives or other cutting or tearing members which chop material into fragments
- B02C18/06—Disintegrating by knives or other cutting or tearing members which chop material into fragments with rotating knives
- B02C18/16—Details
- B02C18/22—Feed or discharge means
- B02C18/2225—Feed means
- B02C18/2275—Feed means using a rotating arm
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B02—CRUSHING, PULVERISING, OR DISINTEGRATING; PREPARATORY TREATMENT OF GRAIN FOR MILLING
- B02C—CRUSHING, PULVERISING, OR DISINTEGRATING IN GENERAL; MILLING GRAIN
- B02C18/00—Disintegrating by knives or other cutting or tearing members which chop material into fragments
- B02C18/0007—Disintegrating by knives or other cutting or tearing members which chop material into fragments specially adapted for disintegrating documents
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B02—CRUSHING, PULVERISING, OR DISINTEGRATING; PREPARATORY TREATMENT OF GRAIN FOR MILLING
- B02C—CRUSHING, PULVERISING, OR DISINTEGRATING IN GENERAL; MILLING GRAIN
- B02C18/00—Disintegrating by knives or other cutting or tearing members which chop material into fragments
- B02C18/06—Disintegrating by knives or other cutting or tearing members which chop material into fragments with rotating knives
- B02C18/08—Disintegrating by knives or other cutting or tearing members which chop material into fragments with rotating knives within vertical containers
- B02C18/10—Disintegrating by knives or other cutting or tearing members which chop material into fragments with rotating knives within vertical containers with drive arranged above container
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H1/00—Supports or magazines for piles from which articles are to be separated
- B65H1/04—Supports or magazines for piles from which articles are to be separated adapted to support articles substantially horizontally, e.g. for separation from top of pile
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H3/00—Separating articles from piles
- B65H3/22—Separating articles from piles by needles or the like engaging the articles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B02—CRUSHING, PULVERISING, OR DISINTEGRATING; PREPARATORY TREATMENT OF GRAIN FOR MILLING
- B02C—CRUSHING, PULVERISING, OR DISINTEGRATING IN GENERAL; MILLING GRAIN
- B02C18/00—Disintegrating by knives or other cutting or tearing members which chop material into fragments
- B02C18/0007—Disintegrating by knives or other cutting or tearing members which chop material into fragments specially adapted for disintegrating documents
- B02C2018/0023—Switching devices
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B02—CRUSHING, PULVERISING, OR DISINTEGRATING; PREPARATORY TREATMENT OF GRAIN FOR MILLING
- B02C—CRUSHING, PULVERISING, OR DISINTEGRATING IN GENERAL; MILLING GRAIN
- B02C18/00—Disintegrating by knives or other cutting or tearing members which chop material into fragments
- B02C18/06—Disintegrating by knives or other cutting or tearing members which chop material into fragments with rotating knives
- B02C18/16—Details
- B02C2018/168—User safety devices or measures in shredders
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2402/00—Constructional details of the handling apparatus
- B65H2402/50—Machine elements
- B65H2402/54—Springs, e.g. helical or leaf springs
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2405/00—Parts for holding the handled material
- B65H2405/10—Cassettes, holders, bins, decks, trays, supports or magazines for sheets stacked substantially horizontally
- B65H2405/11—Parts and details thereof
- B65H2405/111—Bottom
- B65H2405/1114—Bottom with surface portions curved in lengthwise direction
Definitions
- the present invention is generally related to an apparatus having cutter elements for destroying documents such as paper sheets.
- the apparatus comprises a mechanism for advancing sheets from a stack of paper in a tray into the cutter elements for shredding.
- a common type of shredder has a shredder mechanism contained within a housing that is mounted atop a container.
- the shredder mechanism typically includes a series of cutter elements that shred articles such as paper that are fed therein and discharge the shredded articles downwardly into the container.
- An example of such a shredder may be found, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,040,559.
- Prior art shredders have a predetermined amount of capacity or amount of paper that can be shredded in one pass between the cutter elements. Typically, the sheets of paper are fed into the shredder mechanism manually. Thus, when an operator needs to shred, he or she can only shred a number of sheets of paper by manually inserting one or more sheets one pass at a time. Examples of such shredders are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,192,467, 4,231,530, 4,232,860, 4,821,967, 4,986,481, 5,009,410, 5,188,301, 5,261,614, 5,362,002, 5,662,280, 5,772,129, 5,884,855, and 6,390,397 B1 and U.S. Patent Application Publications 2005/0274836 A1, 2006/0179987 A, 2006/0179987 A1, 2006/0249609 A1, and 2006/0249609 A1, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
- shredders are designed for automatic feeding.
- the shredder will include a bin in which a state of documents can be placed.
- a feeding mechanism can then feed the documents from the stack into the shredding mechanism.
- This type of shredder is desirable in an office setting for productivity reasons, as the user can leave the stack in the bin and leave the shredder to do its work.
- the shredder includes: a housing; a paper shredder mechanism received in the housing and including a motor and cutter elements, the motor rotating the cutter elements in an interleaving relationship for shredding paper sheets fed therein; a tray for holding a stack of paper sheets to be fed into the cutter elements; a movable feed mechanism positioned above the tray, the movable feed mechanism having at least one feed member with at least one elastic arm, the at least one feed member adjacent to the tray for engaging and disengaging the stack with the at least one elastic arm; and a feed driver system constructed to drive the at least one feed member to rotate in a feeding direction with the at least one elastic arm thereof elastically deforming to apply pressure and frictionally feed paper sheets atop the stack to the cutter elements.
- a method for advancing articles into cutter elements for shredding.
- the method includes: providing a tray for holding a stack of articles for feeding into the cutter elements; providing a movable feed mechanism above the tray to advance articles into the cutter elements, the movable feed mechanism having at least one feed member with at least one elastic arm, the at least one feed member adjacent to the tray for engaging and disengaging the stack with the at least one elastic arm; rotating cutter elements in an interleaving relationship for shredding articles fed therein; and driving the movable feed mechanism in a feeding direction to feed articles to the cutter elements from atop the stack of paper sheets in the tray into the rotating cutter elements.
- the driving of the movable feed mechanism includes rotating the at least one feed member in a feeding direction with the elastic arm thereof elastically deforming to apply pressure and frictionally feed paper sheets atop the stack to the rotating cutter elements.
- the shredder includes: a housing; a paper shredder mechanism received in the housing and including a motor and cutter elements, the motor rotating the cutter elements in an interleaving relationship for shredding paper sheets fed therein; a tray for holding a stack of paper sheets to be fed into the cutter elements; a drawer configured for sliding movement between an open position away from the shredder mechanism and a closed position adjacent to the shredder mechanism; a paper feed mechanism positioned above the tray, the paper feed mechanism having at least one feed member adjacent to the tray for engaging and disengaging the stack; a feed driver system constructed to drive the at least one feed member to rotate in a feeding direction to feed paper atop the stack to the cutter elements; and a disengagement mechanism provided adjacent to the paper feed mechanism for holding the paper feed mechanism in an inoperable feeding position when the drawer is in the open position.
- Yet another aspect of this disclosure provides a method for operating a shredder for shredding.
- the method includes: providing a shredder mechanism with cutter elements positioned on parallel shafts; providing a tray for holding a stack of articles for feeding into the cutter elements; providing a drawer configured for sliding movement between an open position away from the shredder mechanism and a closed position adjacent to the shredder mechanism; providing a paper feed mechanism above the tray to advance articles into the cutter elements, the paper feed mechanism having at least one feed member adjacent to the tray for engaging and disengaging the stack; providing a disengagement mechanism adjacent to the paper feed mechanism for holding the paper feed mechanism in an inoperable feeding position when the drawer is in the open position; rotating cutter elements in an interleaving relationship on the parallel shafts for shredding articles fed therein; driving the paper feed mechanism to rotate in a feeding direction to feed articles to the cutter elements from atop the stack of articles in the tray into the rotating cutter elements; moving the drawer into its open position away from the shredder mechanism; and holding the paper feed mechanism in an inopera
- FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a shredder in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 illustrates side view of a movable feed mechanism for use in the shredder of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a feed member that is part of the movable feed mechanism of FIG. 2 in accordance with an embodiment.
- FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate detailed side and bottom perspective views of an end of the feed member of FIG. 3 in accordance with an embodiment.
- FIGS. 6 , 7 , and 8 illustrate side views of the movable feed mechanism in operation for advancing paper in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 9 , 10 , and 11 illustrate side views of the shredder of FIG. 1 as the movable feed mechanism moves into an inoperative position and is held by a disengagement mechanism as a drawer and tray of the shredder are moved to an open position, in accordance with an embodiment.
- FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the drawer, tray, and movable feed mechanism in accordance with an embodiment.
- FIG. 13 illustrates a detailed, rear perspective view of the drawer, tray, and movable feed mechanism of FIG. 12 , showing the disengagement mechanism in use, in accordance with an embodiment.
- FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate top views of the movable feed mechanism of FIG. 12 during use in the shredder of FIG. 1 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 16 illustrates a top perspective view of an optional strap for use with a movable feed mechanism.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shredder in accordance with an embodiment herein.
- the shredder 10 is designed to destroy or shred articles such as paper.
- the shredder 10 comprises a housing 12 that sits on top of a container 16 , for example.
- the container 16 receives paper that is shredded by the shredder 10 .
- the container 16 may comprise a hole, an opening, or a handle 17 (e.g., molded) for a user to grasp. For example, the user may grab handle 17 to open or access the inside of the container 16 .
- the container 16 may be used to house a separate and removable waste bin, bag, or collection device, for example, or be a collection device or waste bin itself.
- the shredder 10 may have any suitable construction or configuration and the illustrated embodiment is not intended to be limiting in any way.
- the shredder 10 comprises a paper shredder mechanism 20 in the housing 12 , and includes a drive system with at least one motor 23 , such as an electrically powered motor, and a plurality of cutter elements 21 .
- the cutter elements 21 are mounted on a pair of parallel mounting shafts (shown in FIG. 2 , for example) and are provided on such shafts in an interleaving fashion, and are sometimes referred to as a cutting block.
- a controller is provided in the shredder 10 to send electrical signals to the drive of the motor so that it rotates the cutting elements 21 of the shredder mechanism 20 in a shredding direction, thus enabling paper sheets to be fed therein, a reverse direction, to push sheets away from feeding (or out from the cutter elements 21 to prevent or stop further feeding), or to hold the shredder mechanism 20 in an idle position.
- the motor 23 operates using electrical power to rotatably drive first and second rotatable shafts of the shredder mechanism 20 and their corresponding interleaving cutter elements 21 through a conventional transmission (not shown) so that the cutter elements 21 shred or destroy articles fed therein (or reverse drive to remove fed articles or paper).
- the shredder mechanism may also include a sub-frame for mounting the shafts, motor, and transmission.
- the drive system may have any number of motors and may include one or more transmissions.
- the plurality of cutter elements 21 are mounted on the first and second rotatable shafts in any suitable manner and are rotated in an interleaving relationship for shredding paper sheets fed therein (e.g., therebetween via an entrance or throat). The operation and construction of such a shredder mechanism 20 is well known and need not be discussed herein in detail.
- the housing 12 of shredder 10 is designed to sit atop a container 16 , as noted above.
- the housing 12 works in cooperation with a cartridge or tray 14 .
- the tray 14 has a feed bed 15 and is designed to hold a stack 22 of articles (e.g., see FIG. 2 ) such as paper sheets therein that are to be shredded.
- the feed bed 15 can include upstanding sides 15 A on either side thereof to contain articles therein and aid in directing or guiding moving of articles as they are fed into the shredder mechanism 20 .
- the paper sheets in the tray 14 or bed 15 may be of any type, size, or construction (e.g., white paper, letter size, legal size, A4, envelopes, etc.).
- the articles can include items such as, but not limited to, paper, business cards, discs (CDs or DVDs), etc. Accordingly, for purposes of this disclosure, articles, paper, and paper sheets may be used interchangeably throughout with reference to items in the stack, without any intention of limiting such types of items therein.
- the shredder 10 includes a drawer 24 .
- the tray 14 is provided within the drawer 24 .
- the drawer 24 may comprise a hole, an opening, or a handle 29 , shown in FIG. 1 , for a user to grasp.
- the user may grab handle 29 to slide or move the drawer 24 between an open position away from the shredder mechanism and a closed position adjacent to the shredder mechanism.
- the tray 14 can be configured for movement with the drawer 24 .
- the tray 14 is mounted such that paper may be fed from bed 15 of the tray 14 and into the cutter elements 21 of the shredder mechanism 20 (e.g., when the drawer 24 is closed).
- the tray 14 and shredder mechanism 20 may be mounted horizontally such that the paper is fed into or between the interleaving cutter elements 21 of the shredder mechanism 20 at one end thereof and be destroyed.
- the tray 14 has a length extending in a longitudinal direction relative to a longitudinal direction of the housing 12 of the shredder 10 , or the shredder 10 itself.
- the drawer 24 is mounted in a longitudinal direction relative to the shredder 10 and for movement in a horizontal manner relative to the shredder mechanism 20 (towards and away from it).
- the shafts of the cutter elements 21 can be positioned laterally or perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal direction of the tray 14 , drawer 24 , and/or of the shredder housing 12 .
- the tray 14 comprises a sloped or curved feed bed 15 (see, e.g., FIG. 2 ).
- the curved feed bed 15 assists in feeding sheet(s) atop a stack 22 in a forward and upward direction towards and/or into the cutters 21 of the shredder mechanism 20 , for example.
- a curved feed bed 15 also assists in preventing jamming of the paper in the shredder mechanism 20 .
- the feed bed 15 can be curved in the longitudinal direction, e.g., from back (near handle 29 of drawer 24 ) to front (e.g., adjacent the entrance or throat into and between the interleaving cutter elements 21 ). As shown in FIG.
- the bed 15 itself includes a back end positioned distally from the shredder mechanism 20 (near handle 29 or front of drawer 24 ) that is positioned at an angle A relative to a horizontal plane of the drawer 24 , for example.
- This angle A of the curved feed bed 15 creates a natural restrictor to paper feeding into the shredder mechanism 20 .
- the angle A can aid in pushing articles in the stack 22 towards a front or proximal end of the bed 15 adjacent the shredder mechanism 20 (and a feed mechanism 36 ).
- gravity resulting from the angle A can allow the sheets or articles to drop or lower towards the front end of the bed 15 .
- the angle A can be varied relative to the horizontal plane and is not intended to be limiting.
- the front or proximal end of the bed 15 curves forwardly and upwardly towards the shredder mechanism 20 at an angle B relative to a horizontal plane of the drawer.
- the angle B is at or approximately forty five (45) degrees (relative to the horizontal plane).
- the angle B can be variable based on the desired amount of sheets for feeding into the cutting block or shredder mechanism 20 . For example, a steeper or higher angle (relative to the horizontal plane) can reduce the ease of feeding thicker stack(s) of sheet(s) upwards along the curved feed bed 15 and into the shredder mechanism 20 .
- the ease of gripping and flow of the gripped sheets towards the cutter elements 21 can be altered based on the angle (e.g., increase the angle to restrict ease of feeding the sheets).
- the angle B can be determined based on the location of the shredder mechanism 20 .
- the proximal end of the feed bed 15 can be designed to direct and point into the nip of the cutters 21 . Changing the angle A and/or the length of the surface of the curved feed bed 15 can also alter or restrict the ease of the flow of sheet(s) into the shredder mechanism 20 .
- the curvature of the feed bed 15 assists in positioning paper for feeding. Moreover, as further explained below, the curvature of the feed bed 15 also assist in feeding paper into the shredder mechanism when at least one feed member 36 is rotated in a feeding direction.
- the drawer 24 or tray 14 is provided with a lid 18 , as shown in FIG. 1 .
- the lid 18 can include a top and (right and left) side portions 18 A that extend and align with (right and left) sides 15 A of the tray 14 or drawer 24 .
- the lid 18 is provided with hinges 19 such that the lid 18 may be pivoted between an open and closed position relative to the tray 14 . Pivoting the lid 18 allows a user access to the inside of tray 14 or bed 15 , such as for filling the tray 14 with paper to be shredded.
- the tray 14 comprises a handle to assist in lifting the lid 18 (e.g., in the form of a lip provided near or on an edge of the lid).
- the handle may extend from the side of the lid 18 on top of tray 14 .
- any type or form of handle for assisting in lifting the lid 18 may be used and should not be limiting.
- the lid 18 need not be hinged or movable relative to the drawer. That is, the lid 18 can be provided as window for viewing the tray 14 or bed 15 and be provided as a stationary structure that drawer 24 is moved relative to.
- the drawer 24 and/or lid 18 may comprise a safety switch.
- the safety switch may be used to detect if the drawer or lid is provided in an open position.
- the safety switch may be coupled to the shredder mechanism 20 to prevent operation of the cutter elements 21 when the drawer 24 and/or lid 18 is in the open position.
- the shredder mechanism 20 may be activated to begin operation of, or ready to operate upon queue, the cutter elements 21 and an advancement or feed mechanism, as will be described.
- the tray 14 , lid 18 , or drawer 24 may also comprise a locking mechanism that prevents a user from opening or accessing the tray, which may not be desirable while the shredder is in use.
- the lid 18 or drawer 24 may include a magnetic latch.
- the tray or lid or drawer may include a code lock that prevents a user from opening the devices or having access to the tray. For example, a user may need to input a code into a control panel for access to the documents to be shredded in the tray 14 .
- the lid 18 and/or drawer 24 may comprise an opening (not shown) for allowing insertion of paper sheets into the tray 14 . That is, for example, when the lid 18 and/or drawer 24 are in the closed position, an opening or gap may be formed between the lid and bottom of the tray 14 or feed bed 15 .
- the tray 14 may also be filled by inserting paper sheets (e.g., a single sheet or a small stack) through the gap and into the feed bed 15 without having to lift the lid 18 or pull open the drawer 24 .
- This feature may be advantageous, for example, where the shredder is running and feeding from a large stack and the user simply wants to add a small number of documents to the tray 14 or bed 15 . Rather than opening the lid 18 and stopping the shredding process with the safety switch, the user can just slip the small number of documents into the stack 22 via the gap.
- a lid in general is optional and may be omitted entirely.
- a user may add paper to the tray 14 through an open top, for example.
- a control panel may be provided for use with the shredder 10 and may be provided on the machine itself or remotely associated therewith.
- a screen button, lights, LEDs, or other known devices may be provided on control panel.
- the control panel can be provided to assist the user with the shredder 10 and communicate actions to the controller, e.g., to turn on the shredder mechanism (or off), start or set a timing mechanism or timer, activate or pause the shredder mechanism, lock access to the tray, etc.
- the shredder 10 also includes a feed mechanism opposed to or adjacent the tray surface for advancing at least a top sheet from a stack of paper in a tray into the interleaved cutter elements 21 for shredding. That is, shredder 10 is designed with an advancement mechanism for automatically feeding one or more sheets to a shredder mechanism 20 without requiring a user to manually feed individual or a preset quantity of sheets into the cutting elements 21 .
- FIG. 2 shows in detail an embodiment of an advancement mechanism in accordance with the present invention comprising a movable feed mechanism 26 .
- FIG. 2 illustrates detailed side view of a movable feed mechanism 26 for use in the housing 12 of shredder 10 of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- the movable feed mechanism 26 is positioned above the tray 14 or bed 15 , adjacent to the shredder mechanism 20 .
- the feed mechanism 26 comprises at least one feed member 36 with a body 28 having at least one elastic arm 38 and a feed driver system designed to work in cooperation with the stack 22 in the tray 14 . As shown, at least one feed member 36 of the feed mechanism is positioned above or adjacent to the bed 15 of the tray 14 for engaging and disengaging the stack with the at least one elastic arm.
- the at least one feed member 36 is mounted on the axle 34 for rotation (as indicated in FIG. 2 by arrow E) in a feeding direction (as indicated by arrow F in FIG. 2 ) with the at least one elastic arm 38 .
- Each elastic arm 38 extends from a body 28 of the feed member 26 and elastically deforms to apply pressure and frictionally feed paper sheets atop the stack 22 to the cutter elements 21 during rotation thereof, as described below with reference to FIGS. 6-8 .
- the axle 34 is provided on a horizontal axis that is parallel to tray 14 and/or parallel to the parallel shafts of the cutter elements 21 .
- the at least one feed member 36 is rotated on the axle 34 to engage and disengage the stack.
- the shape of the feed member 36 is designed such that as it rotates about the axis of axle 34 , the elastic arm 38 engages and disengages with the top of the stack 22 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a feed member 36 that is part of the movable feed mechanism 26 .
- Feed member 36 has a body 28 with a mounting portion having an opening 33 therethrough.
- the body 28 is mounted to an axle, such as axle 34 , for rotation therewith using the opening 33 of its mounting portion.
- An insert 35 or plug can be aligned and inserted into the opening 33 of the body 28 to ensure a tight fit with the axle.
- the insert 35 includes an opening 37 that has a complimentary shape to axle 34 , allowing the body 28 to be rotationally secured relative to axle 34 using its mounting portion, and such that as axle 34 is rotated, the feed member 36 rotates therewith.
- the body 28 can be formed from a number of connected portions designed with openings therebetween or therein to accommodate bending or movement as the feed member 36 is rotated.
- the body 28 can have at least two outer portions or ribs for possible contact with the stack 22 during rotation.
- the portions of the body 28 are not equidistantly spaced (radially) relative to the axle 34 of rotation when mounted thereon.
- the body 28 can be an elongate body that extends radially from the axle 34 once mounted thereon.
- the connected portions of the body 28 can be formed in a radial direction outwardly from its mounting portion.
- the at least two outer portions or ribs can be connected to and radially extend from the mounting portion (with the opening 33 therein) into the tray 14 .
- the at least two outer portions can be connected to each other at their opposite ends (e.g., directly or via one or more other portions or ribs).
- the body 28 can have one or more openings, gaps, spaces, or cavities therein between the connected portions. The openings, gaps, spaces, or cavities can accommodate movement or bending of the connected portions during rotation (e.g., for receipt therein).
- the body 28 is substantially hollow. Additional portions or ribs can connect between to the at least two outer portions of the body 28 and/or its mounting portion.
- the body 28 has a web-like or a cage-like configuration in that includes a number of ribs interconnected with each other.
- Non-limiting examples of bodies 28 with interconnected ribs with openings for accommodating bending are shown in FIG. 3 as well as in FIG. 6 , FIG. 12 , and FIG. 14 , for example.
- the body 28 can be formed from one or more elastic materials.
- the body 28 and/or its parts can bend, deflect or elastically deform during rotation (e.g., outer portions or ribs can at least temporarily bend or deflect into openings or gaps between the connected portions or ribs), and, based on its elastic properties, for example, resume or return to its original shape after its compression.
- the at least one elastic arm 38 extends from the body 28 and includes an elongate body portion 46 .
- the body portion 46 of the elastic arm 38 can extend further relative to and/or into the tray 14 .
- the body portion 46 of the elastic arm 38 extends in a longitudinal direction relative to the length of the tray 14 .
- the body portion 46 of the elastic arm 38 extends in a lateral direction relative to the width of the tray 14 .
- the elastic arm 38 extends both longitudinally and laterally from its body 28 and into the tray 14 , e.g., such as shown in FIG. 3 or in an alternate design, as shown in FIG. 14 (see, e.g., arm 38 A).
- a proximal end of the elongate body portion 46 can connect to the connected at least two outer portions of the body 28 , for example, and have a distal end extending into the tray 14 .
- the proximal end of the body portion 46 of the elastic arm 38 acts like a bending or pivot point in that the elastic arm 38 can bend or pivot relative to the body 28 based on applied pressure.
- the elastic arm 38 extends a first distance or length from the body 28 when measured from the body 28 (e.g., from its pivot point at its proximal end) to its distal end.
- the elastic arm 38 can include optional fingers 48 or antenna at an end of the body portion.
- the optional fingers 48 or antenna can be thinner segments (relative to the elongate body portion 46 ) at the distal end of the elongate body portion 46 .
- the first distance or length of the elastic arm 38 can be measured between its pivot point at its proximal end and the fingers 48 , for example.
- the fingers 48 as shown, are not intended to be limiting by the illustrated design.
- the fingers 48 extend laterally from the elongate body portion 46 relative to the width of the tray 14 , for example.
- the optional fingers 48 can be used to grab or grip smaller articles (e.g., envelopes) that could be positioned in the bed 15 in a place the elastic arm 38 itself might otherwise fail to contact.
- the optional fingers 48 also grip a surface of the article(s) in a lateral or horizontal direction (relative to the longitudinal direction of the tray 14 , for example). That is, the optional fingers 48 increase the surface area that the elastic arm 38 grasps on top of the stack 22 . Accordingly, the placement of articles or paper in the stack 22 need not be precise.
- the extension of fingers 48 in the lateral direction relative to the tray allows for a user to place articles or paper or a stack 22 into the feed bed 15 of the tray without concern for exact alignment, order, and/or relative positioning of the articles in the stack 22 (e.g., documents do not necessarily need to be straight).
- each elastic arm 38 is formed such that its body portion 46 extends in the lateral direction like fingers 48 (e.g., see FIG. 14 , arm 38 A).
- the arm 38 itself can be formed to act like fingers 48 (and thus such optional fingers 48 are not necessarily required).
- the surface of the elastic arm 38 and/or fingers 48 can be altered to improve its grip on at least the top sheet(s) in the stack.
- the elastic arm 38 and/or fingers 48 can include a raised pattern or design.
- a strip of material e.g., a rubber strip, with or without a pattern or design (not shown) can be provided on the elastic arm 38 , its body portion 46 , and/or fingers 48 to aid in the gripping force applied to the stack 22 during rotation of the feed member 36 .
- each feed member 36 is configured to rotate 360 degrees about a horizontal axis via axle 34 and to elastically deform during said rotation.
- the elastic arm 38 is moved from being extended away from the body 28 when it initially contacts the stack 22 , e.g., as shown in FIG. 6 , and compressed or deformed against and, in some cases, into body 28 as the feed member 26 is rotated, e.g., as shown in FIG. 7 .
- the body 28 itself e.g., one or more of its connected portions or ribs
- the body 28 can be at least partially deformed to temporarily receive and accommodate the compressed elastic arm 38 in its openings, gaps, etc., e.g., as it rotates and moves along a length of the tray 14 and along the front or proximal end of the bed 15 .
- the pressure against curved feed bed 15 causes compression of at least the elastic arm 38 against and/or into the body 28 of the feed member 36 . Accordingly, it can be seen that the distance or length of the elastic arm 38 as measured relative to the body 28 changes during rotation and compression.
- the curve of the feed bed 15 pushes the distal end of the elastic arm 38 closer to the axis point of the rotating elastic arm by bending or pivoting the elastic arm 38 about its pivot point at its proximal end. More specifically, the compression force on the elastic arm 38 from the curved feed bed 15 deforms and bends arm 38 towards the body 28 . Its distal end can be positioned against an outside end of the body 28 , optionally deforming an outer portion or rib of the body 28 itself for receipt and accommodation of the distal end, as shown in FIG. 7 . In this compressed position, the distal end of the elastic arm is provided at a second distance or length relative to the body 28 .
- the second distance or length between the distal end of the elastic arm 38 and the body 28 (e.g., at proximal end of elastic arm 38 ) during compression of the elastic arm 38 is less than the first distance between the distal end of the elastic arm 38 and the body 28 (e.g., at proximal end of elastic arm 38 ) during its extension and when out of contact with the curved feed bed 15 .
- at least each elastic arm elastically deforms to apply pressure to feed paper sheets atop the stack to the cutter elements.
- the elastic arm 38 As the feed member 36 continues to rotate, the elastic arm 38 is guided along the front end (the end positioned at an angle B) and moves or snaps out of contact with the curved feed bed 15 (into its extended position). This releasing movement of the elastic arm 38 , or decompression resulting from the resiliency of the arm, releases the pressure and frictional contact or force applied to the gripped sheet(s). Further, the elasticity of the arm enhances the feeding of the gripped sheet(s) into the shredder mechanism 20 because the decompression or movement of the arm 38 results in the arm 38 snapping into its extended position (relative to the body 28 ), and thus applies a pushing or shoving force to the gripped sheet(s) towards the cutter elements 21 .
- This pushing, snapping, or shoving force is generated by the resiliency and releasing of the elastic arm, and further advances the gripped sheet(s) into the cutter elements.
- the elastic arm 38 returns to an extended position relative to the body 28 of the feed member 36 and out of contact with gripped sheet(s).
- the elastic arm 38 is not intended to be limiting by the illustrated design.
- the elastic arm 38 may be formed to extend horizontally relative to a longitudinal tray 14 or bed 15 , such as shown by arm 38 A on each of the feed members 36 in FIG. 12 and FIGS. 14 and 15 .
- the at least one elastic arm 38 has a protruding tip 40 , shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 .
- the protruding tip 40 is designed for insertion into the stack 22 as the at least one elastic arm 38 applies pressure to the paper sheets atop the stack 22 during rotation of the at least one feed member 36 .
- the protruding tip 40 can help grab more than one sheet from the top of the stack 22 , for example.
- the first distance or length of the elastic arm 38 can be measured between its pivot point at its proximal end and the protruding tip 40 , for example.
- the protruding tip 40 may be selectively retracted and extended from the elastic arm 38 .
- a holder 44 or housing e.g., shown in FIG.
- the needle 40 can be provided in a retracted position within the housing 44 relative to a bottom (i.e., a portion for contact with the stack 22 , or contact portion) of the body portion 46 of the elastic arm 38 .
- the at least one elastic arm 38 elastically deforms to apply pressure to and snaps back into its original shape to frictionally feed paper sheet(s) atop the stack 22 to the cutter elements 21 .
- at least the elastic arm 38 and (optionally) part of the body of the feed member 36 itself, is designed for compression against the stack 22 , such as shown in FIG. 7 , which can thereby press or move the protruding tip 40 (out of the housing 44 ), as shown in FIG. 4 , for engagement with and/or into the stack 22 .
- Each feed member 36 continues to rotate via axle 34 (each turn being 360 degrees) and elastically deforms during said rotation.
- the distance between the protruding tip 40 and the body 28 during compression of at least the elastic arm 38 is less than the first distance as measured during extension of the elastic arm 38 .
- the body 28 is formed such that pressure against curved feed bed 15 causes compression of at least the elastic arm 38 against and/or into the body 28 of the feed member 36 and further or deeper insertion of the optional protruding tip 40 into the stack 22 as it drives the sheet(s) from the stack 22 up the curved surface of the curved feed bed 15 .
- the body 28 is also formed such that decompression of at least the elastic arm 38 after disengagement from the curved feed bed 15 causes a snap force that aids in feeding sheet(s) (forwardly) into the cutter elements 21 for shredding.
- the protruding tip 40 is provided in the form of a needle. In an embodiment, the protruding tip 40 is provided in the form of a pin.
- each feed member 36 is integrally molded as a single part (e.g., body 28 , elastic arm 38 , fingers 48 , etc.). In an embodiment, the parts can be molded separately and adhered together.
- the insert 35 can be added to the feed member 36 after molding, or overmolded. In an embodiment, an insert 35 need not be used, i.e., the opening 33 can be formed to cooperatively fit with the axle 34 .
- the protruding tip 40 can be pushed or inserted through the elastic arm 38 (e.g., into housing 44 ) after its molding or forming.
- the protruding tip 40 can be designed such that it is held within and not removable from the housing 44 once inserted (e.g., via a barb, flange, adhesive, etc.). Further, a specific housing 44 need not be provided. That is, the elastic arm 38 itself can accommodate the acceptance and insertion or addition of a needle, pin, or other type of protruding tip 40 .
- similar or the same materials are used to form parts of the body 28 and the at least one elastic arm 38 .
- different materials are used to form parts of the body 28 and the at least one elastic arm 38 .
- the feed member 36 is formed from a material having a durometer between approximately 70 to approximately 75 Shore A (inclusive).
- the movable feed mechanism 26 comprises two feed members 36 adjacent to the tray, such as shown in FIG. 1 .
- Each feed member 36 has one elastic arm 38 and both are mounted on the axle 34 .
- Each elastic arm 38 can include a protruding tip 40 for insertion into the stack of paper sheets as the feed members rotate in the feeding direction (arrow F).
- the movable feed mechanism 26 includes one or more articulating or pivot arms 30 , as shown in FIG. 1 , for example.
- the pivot arms 30 can be used along with other gears or devices to rotate the axle 34 and thus rotate the feed members 36 mounted thereon.
- the pivot arms 30 are used to move the one or more feed members 36 between a lowered position for engaging the stack 22 to feed paper and a raised position for disengaging from the stack during rotation of the at least one feed member 26 . More specifically, one end of each arm 30 is configured for pivoting, while another end of each arm 30 is connected to axle 34 .
- the arms 30 may be configured to pivot about an axis 32 within the housing 12 , as shown by arrow C in FIG. 2 , and thus move axle 34 .
- the arms 30 may be configured to move in a reciprocating fashion between the lower and raised positions in a vertical direction, as shown by arrow D in FIG. 2 , relative to the stack 22 in the feed bed 15 , and thus move axle 34 and feed members 36 thereon vertically relative to the feed bed 15 .
- FIGS. 2 and 6 - 11 A right side view of parts in the housing 12 are only shown in FIGS. 2 and 6 - 11 . However, it should be understood that parts on a left side are substantially similar to those shown and described in detail below.
- the movable feed mechanism 26 is designed to both rotate the feed member 36 and articulate the pivot arms 30 during said rotation such that frictional force can be used to grasp and feed paper picked from atop a stack 22 into the shredder mechanism 20 .
- the pivot arms 30 are moved between the lowered position and the raised position, the protruding tip 40 of the at least one elastic arm can remain inserted into the stack 22 or sheets grasped from atop the stack 22 .
- the protruding tip 40 of the at least one elastic arm 38 is configured exert greater pressure on the stack 22 via driving the protruding point into the stack 22 of paper pressing itself and the paper against an opposing (curved) surface of the tray 14 as the pivot arm is moved between the lowered position and the raised position and as at least the elastic arm 38 is temporarily compressed and deformed as it moves about the curved feed bed 15 (during rotation of the feed member 36 ).
- the arm 30 can be moved relative to the tray 14 or feed bed 15 so as to allow rotation about axle 34 and deformation of at least the elastic arm 38 of each feed member 36 and rotation thereof while still providing friction to any picked articles or sheets.
- the shredder 10 includes a feed driver system constructed and arranged to drive the at least one feed member 36 to rotate about a (horizontal) axis in a feeding direction (arrow F) (via rotation of axle 34 ) with the at least one elastic arm 38 thereof elastically deforming to apply pressure and frictionally feed paper sheets atop the stack 22 to the cutter elements 21 of the shredder mechanism 20 .
- the feed driver system is also constructed and arranged to also pivot the pivot arm 30 such that the at least one feed member 36 is moved relatively down into engagement with the stack 22 and out of engagement with the stack 22 as the feed member 36 rotates 360 degrees about its axis on axle 34 .
- the shredder 10 includes a driver for moving the at least one feed member 36 and its at least one elastic arm 38 between the lowered and raised positions and a rotary driver connected to the at least one feed member 36 for its rotation.
- the feed driver system includes a driver for rotating the axle to drive an axle 34 to rotate two feed members 36 about an axis in the feeding direction with their elastic arms 38 elastically deforming to apply pressure and frictionally feed paper atop the stack 22 to the cutter elements 21 .
- the number of feed members 36 mounted on axle 34 is not intended to be limiting.
- the movable feed mechanism 26 has a plurality or array of feed members 36 with elastic arms 38 provided for rotation along axle 34 .
- a plurality of feed members 36 aids in covering a greater length or width of the tray 14 (in a horizontal direction) and thus aids in grasping and feeding at least the top sheet(s) of paper from the stack 22 .
- the pivot arm 30 is rotated about its axis 32 using a motor(s) and/or drive wheel mechanism(s). In an embodiment, the rotation of the axis 32 of the pivot arm 30 is driven based on the rotation of the shredder mechanism 20 . In an embodiment, the pivot arm 30 is articulated and activated for rotation using the same motor 23 used to drive the shredder mechanism 20 . In an embodiment, the pivot arm 30 can be free floating about its pivot point on axis 32 . The axis 32 can be a same axis as one of the parallel axes of the cutter elements 21 (e.g., see FIG. 2 and FIG. 12 ). The arms 30 may move cyclically with respect to the shredder mechanism 20 when the shredder mechanism 20 is activated.
- the rotation of the pivot arm 30 may be linked or connected by belts, axles, or gears, as known in the art, to rotate upon activation of the cutter elements 21 in the shredder mechanism 20 .
- the pivot arm 30 uses a separate motor for articulation.
- the axle 34 and thus feed member(s) 36 of the movable feed mechanism 26 is rotated about its axis using a motor(s) and/or drive wheel mechanism(s).
- the rotation of the axle 34 is driven based on the rotation of the shredder mechanism 20 .
- axle 34 is activated for rotation using the same motor 23 used to drive the shredder mechanism 20 .
- the rotation of the axle 34 may be linked by belts, axles, or gears, as known in the art, to rotate upon activation of the cutter elements 21 in the shredder mechanism 20 .
- the axle 34 uses a separate motor for rotation.
- the rotating feed members 36 and axle 34 can be connected to a spur gear (drive gear) on the axis 32 , i.e., an axle or shaft of the cutter elements 21 (as seen in FIG. 2 ).
- a spur gear drive gear
- several gears or a gear train e.g., see FIG. 12 , showing three gears configured for rotation via rotational movement of the axle on axis 32
- a chain could be used to link an axle along axis 32 or a spur gear (drive gear) on the axis 32 to a driven gear residing on axle 34 for rotation thereof.
- each feed member 36 and/or pivot arm 30 is removable or replaceable, for example, if damaged.
- a deflector device 42 is provided.
- the deflector device 42 has a paper deflecting surface provided above the shredder mechanism that is configured to deflect and direct paper grasped fed by the at least one feed member 36 of the movable feed mechanism 26 into the shredder mechanism 20 .
- FIG. 2 and FIG. 14 show examples of a positioning and use of a deflector device 42 , for example.
- the deflector device 42 may be designed such that it at least partially surrounds or at least is positioned adjacent the movable feed mechanism 26 in the shredder 10 , while still providing clearance for its rotation.
- the deflector device 50 is used to ensure direction and feeding of the picked or separated articles or paper sheet(s) into the cutter elements 21 of the shredder mechanism 20 .
- FIG. 16 illustrates a top perspective view of an optional strap 60 for use with the movable feed mechanism 26 of FIGS. 14 and 15 .
- the strap 60 can be used as a deflector to keep paper from wrapping around the axle 34 and/or feed members 36 during rotation. For example, if the gripped sheet(s) are not fed or directed into the cutters 21 , the strap 60 prevents the sheet(s) from rotationally moving around with the feed members 36 of the feed mechanism 26 .
- strap 60 is used in addition to a deflector 42 (as shown). However, use of deflector 42 is optional and need not be provided.
- the deflector 50 or strap 60 can further be used to guide paper during an auto-reverse situation of the cutters 21 of the shredder mechanism 20 .
- the shredder mechanism 20 can be configured to rotate the axles of the cutter elements 21 in an opposite rotational direction (opposite to the shredding direction) upon detection of overload or over limit of fed sheet(s).
- a controller can be used to auto-reverse the rotation of the cutter elements 21 .
- the deflector 50 and/or strap 60 can then guide sheet(s) during such auto-reverse situations so as to help guide the sheet(s) back into the tray 14 or drawer 24 .
- FIGS. 6 , 7 , and 8 illustrate side views of the movable feed mechanism in operation for advancing paper in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- the feed driver system (not shown) of shredder 10 is constructed to rotate and move the movable feed mechanism 26 and its parts.
- the feed driver system (not shown) is constructed and arranged to rotate the axle 34 and thus the feed member 36 in a feeding direction with the at least one elastic arm 38 to engage and feed paper atop the stack 22 in the bed 15 of the tray 14 to the cutter elements 21 of the shredder mechanism 20 , and move the pivot arms 30 and thus the feed member 36 in an alternating manner between a lowered and raised position relative to the feed bed 15 of the tray 14 (e.g., in a substantially vertical direction), such that the feed member 36 alternates between engaging the stack 22 with the at least one elastic arm 38 to feed paper and disengaging from the stack 22 to allow the cutter elements to advance the paper therethrough.
- the feed members 36 When the shredder 10 is activated, the feed members 36 are lowered to the lower position such that at least the elastic arms 38 engage the top of the stack 22 , as shown in FIG. 6 .
- the feed drive system activates and rotates the feed members 36 such that at least a top sheet of the stack 22 is fed into the shredder mechanism 20 .
- the feed members 36 are rotated about their axle 34 and the elastic arms 38 are moved into contact with at least a top sheet of the stack 22 .
- the elastic arms 38 e.g., body portion 46 and/or fingers 48 ) grasp at least the top sheet for advancement and feeding.
- the pivot arms 30 are articulated upwardly towards a raised position, and thus feed members 36 move to a raised position, as depicted in FIG. 7 .
- the elastic arms 38 elastically deform against the curvature of the proximal end of the feed bed 15 and apply pressure to at least the picked or separated top sheet.
- the protruding tips 40 can be extended from the elastic arms 38 during its contact with the stack 22 and rotation of the feed member 36 . For example, during rotation of the feed member 36 , at least each of the elastic arms 38 compresses as it makes contact with the stack 22 in the curved feed bed 15 .
- the elastic arms 38 compress against the bed 15 to create a frictional force forcing the paper into the cutters 21 .
- a secondary action can take place as the elastic arms 38 are deformed and moves up the curved feed bed 15 , as shown in FIG. 7 .
- the protruding arms 40 can extend out of the end of each of the elastic arms 38 and be inserted (e.g., puncturing or piercing) into at least the top sheet of the stack 22 to help feed the paper towards the shredder mechanism 20 as the feed members 36 rotate in the feeding direction (as the elastic arm 38 applies pressure to the paper sheet(s) and is moved along and deformed against the curvature of the curved feed bed 15 ).
- the protruding tips 40 can aid in grasping, for example, lower friction paper or slippery stock, such as glossy paper, that is provided in the stack 22 by piercing through at least a portion of the sheet(s), and thus reduce or prevent multiple passes of the feed member 36 to move such articles towards and into the shredder mechanism 20 .
- the sheet(s) are then grasped and pulled (e.g., by their ends) into the shredder mechanism 20 by the cutter elements 21 .
- the elastic arms 38 are moved out of contact with the curved feed bed 15 and the pressure on the gripped sheet(s) is released.
- the elasticity of the arm enhances the feeding of the gripped sheet(s) into the shredder mechanism 20 by applying a pushing force to the sheet(s) towards the cutter elements 21 .
- the elastic arms 38 thereafter return to an extended position relative to the body 28 of their associated feed member 36 .
- the feed members 36 are then moved back to the lowered position, as seen in FIG. 8 , to thus allow the elastic arms 38 to re-engage the stack 22 and advance the next or top sheet(s) into the shredder mechanism 20 .
- the advantage of raising and lowering the feed members 36 in an upward and downward movement is that it reduces jamming from occurring and accommodates the deformation of the elastic arms 38 as the axle is rotated. Additionally, a curved feed bed 15 also aids to prevent jamming.
- the variability of the curve of the curved feed bed 15 along with the force exerted by at least the elastic arms 38 of the feed members 36 (and optional fingers 48 or rubber strip) on the curved portion of the tray 14 can all be considered and to control an amount of paper entering into cutter elements 21 per rotation of the elastic arms 38 .
- the movement of the feed members 36 need only be used to advance sheet(s) partially, such that the cutter elements 21 themselves grasp and pull the rest of the sheet(s) therebetween.
- FIGS. 12 , 14 and 15 illustrate another embodiment of a feed member 36 for use in movable feed mechanism 26 .
- Each feed member 36 includes a body with an elastic arm 38 A on an end thereof that is configured to operate in a similar manner as described with reference to the feed member 36 shown in FIG. 3 .
- each feed member 36 is provided on an axle 34 for rotation therewith to feed articles from the curved feed bed 15 towards and into the shredder mechanism.
- FIGS. 14-16 demonstrate similar features of a shredder mechanism as described herein. That is, the movable feed mechanism 26 as shown in FIGS.
- each elastic arm 38 A of the feed mechanism can be provided on each elastic arm 38 A of the feed mechanism for insertion into the stack 22 of paper sheets as the elastic arm 38 A applies pressure to the paper sheets atop the stack 22 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 14 ) during rotation of the feed members 36 using axle 34 .
- pivot arms 30 can be provided on either side of the axle 34 for articulating the axle 34 and thus the feed members 36 between a lowered position for engaging the stack and a raised position for disengaging from the stack during rotation and use of the movable feed mechanism 26 .
- the feed mechanism 26 may be moved or lifted to a third position, i.e., an inoperative or inoperable feed position away from the stack in the tray 14 .
- a third position i.e., an inoperative or inoperable feed position away from the stack in the tray 14 .
- the feed members 36 of the feed mechanism 26 are moved up or lifted up to a higher position away from the feed bed 15 of the tray 14 such that paper or articles may be inserted into the feed bed 15 of the tray 14 , e.g., via movement of the axle 34 and pivot arms 30 . Further, the feed members 36 can be inhibited from rotation. After insertion of the articles into the stack 22 , the drawer 24 can be pushed or moved to its closed position adjacent to the shredder mechanism 20 .
- the drawer To lift the feed mechanism 26 into its third or inoperative feeding position when the drawer 24 is moved or slid into the open position (e.g., by pulling on handle 29 ), the drawer includes a guide channel with an opening 25 with guide walls 27 , such as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 10 .
- the walls 27 are designed at an angle to direct movement of the at least one feed member 36 of the feed mechanism 26 into the inoperable feeding position (away from the tray 14 ) as the drawer 24 is pulled outwardly away from the shredder mechanism 20 .
- the axle 34 is guided from the opening 25 along the guide walls 27 in an upward or angled direction as the drawer 24 is moved.
- the pivot arms 30 are pivoted about axis 32 in an upward direction away from the tray 14 .
- the pivot angle of the pivot arms 30 is about 30 degrees to about 40 degrees.
- the pivot angle for the pivot arms 30 can vary depending on a depth of the tray 14 and a total rated quantity for the machine (e.g., the higher the stack of paper, the larger the degree of movement needed to disengage with the stack when the drawer is open).
- At least one disengagement mechanism 50 or retainer is provided adjacent to the feed mechanism 26 .
- a disengagement mechanism 50 is provided near either end of the axle 34 (e.g., see FIG. 12 or FIG. 13 ).
- the disengagement mechanism 50 can be in the form of a paddle that is configured for movement between a retracted position away from the feed mechanism 26 and an extended position in contact with the feed mechanism 26 .
- paddles can be mounted for pivotal rotation about an axis at a point 52 on either side of the housing 12 .
- the paddle can include a top surface for holding the axle 34 in the inoperative position (e.g., see FIG. 13 ).
- the disengagement mechanism 50 can be moved and placed in an extended position when the drawer is in the open position, and hold the at least one feed member 36 and feed mechanism 26 in the inoperable feeding position away from the tray 14 .
- the drive axle 34 travels up the walls 27 of the guide channel and then onto the top surface 50 of the biased retainer 50 .
- the paddles 50 rotate about pivot points 52 into and out of activation to lift and/or hold and release the axle 34 .
- a torsion spring can be provided at each pivot point 52 to bias the retainer 50 in an upright or extended position when the drawer 24 is in the open position.
- the retainer 50 pivots as a result of the force from the torsion spring from a storage position to an extended holding position when the drawer is pulled out.
- FIGS. 9 , 10 , and 11 illustrate side views of the shredder of FIG. 1 as the feed mechanism 26 moves into an inoperative position and is held by disengagement mechanisms 50 on either side of the drawer 24 as drawer 24 and tray 14 of the shredder are moved to an open position. Only one side of the drawer and disengagement mechanism are shown in FIGS. 9-11 , though it should be understood that the opposite side is substantially similar in construction, as depicted in FIGS. 12-13 , for example. As seen in FIG. 9 , as the drawer 24 is moved away from the shredder mechanism 20 , the feed mechanism 26 is moved upwardly via angled and upward guidance of axle 34 (connected to pivot arms 30 ) along wall 27 .
- axle 34 connected to pivot arms 30
- the pivot arms 30 are pivoted upwardly away from the tray 14 as the axle 34 is guided along the wall(s) 27 .
- the disengagement mechanisms 50 can each rotate about their axis 52 from its retracted position to its extended position. As the axle 34 is guided over a back edge of the drawer, as shown in FIG. 10 , it is moved into contact with the disengagement mechanisms 50 .
- FIG. 11 shows the disengagement mechanism 50 in its extended position holding the feed mechanism 26 and thus feed members 36 in an inoperative feeding position. This allows for filling of the tray 14 , for example.
- the drawer 24 only has to be partially open as to initiate the movement of the axle 34 up along walls 27 of the guide channel on its way to rest on the top surface of the extended, biased retainer 50 .
- the action of opening the drawer 24 allows the retainer 50 to pivot to its extended position (e.g., a vertical orientation).
- the opening 25 and wall 27 in the drawer 24 further provided clearance for when the axle 34 is moved between its lowered and raised positions.
- the shredder 10 includes a safety switch for detecting if the drawer 24 or lid 18 is moved to the open position.
- the safety switch is coupled to the shredder mechanism 20 and constructed and arranged to prevent operation of the cutter elements when the drawer or lid is in the open position.
- the shredder may also comprise any number of sensors.
- a sensor is provided in tray 14 , feed bed 15 , and/or drawer 24 for sensing the presence of paper sheets or a stack 22 .
- the sensor may be used to communicate with a controller in the shredder mechanism 20 that sheets are ready to be shredded or destroyed, or to communicate with the feed driver system.
- the presence of sheets may also start a timer for controlling at least a start time for rotating the feed mechanism 26 .
- a time delay may also be activated such that a feed mechanism 26 begins to move or rotate after a set period of time (e.g., 30 minutes, 1 hour).
- the sensor may be of any type, e.g., optical, electrical, mechanical, etc. and should not be limiting.
- audio sensors may be used with tray 14 , bed 15 , or drawer 24 .
- a sensor may be able to pick-up audio signals or sounds when paper is shredding or as paper is lifted.
- the pivot arms 30 may be activated and articulated (e.g., up and down or pivotally) when the lid 18 or drawer 24 is closed. When the drawer 24 is opened or the lid 18 is lifted to access the tray 14 , the motor may be deactivated via sensor detection, thus the feed mechanism 26 is prevented from movement (e.g., pivotally or up and down, or the rotation of, or both).
- the paper feed mechanism is released from holding the feed mechanism 26 in the inoperable position. That is, as the drawer is pushed forward, at least the axle 34 is moved along the back edge of the drawer 24 and guided downwardly along the wall 27 of the guide channels into the opening 25 . It is thus moved to an operable position for advancing the articles into the cutter elements 21 of the shredder mechanism 20 .
- the shredder 10 may also comprise a control panel (not shown).
- a power switch may also be provided on the shredder 10 .
- the power switch may be provided on tray 14 , for example, or anywhere else on the shredder 10 .
- the power switch can include a manually engageable portion connected to a switch module (not shown). Movement of the manually engageable portion of switch moves the switch module between states.
- the switch module is communicated to a controller (not shown) which may include a circuit board.
- a power supply (not shown) is connected to the controller by a standard power cord with a plug on its end that plugs into a standard AC outlet.
- the controller is likewise communicated to the motor of the shredder mechanism 20 .
- the controller can send an electrical signal to the drive of the motor so that it rotates the cutting elements 21 of the shredder mechanism 20 in a shredding direction, thus enabling paper sheets to be fed therein.
- the switch may also be moved to an off position, which causes the controller to stop operation of the motor. Further, the switch may also have an idle or ready position (which can communicate with an optional control panel, for example).
- the switch module contains appropriate contacts for signaling the position of the switch's manually engageable portion.
- the construction and operation of the switch and controller for controlling the motor are well known and any construction for these may be used.
- the switch need not have distinct positions corresponding to on/off/idle, and these conditions may be states selected in the controller by the operation of the switch.
- the shredder 10 may have any suitable construction or configuration and the illustrated embodiments are not intended to be limiting in any way.
- the advancement or feed mechanisms 26 for “automatically” feeding one or more sheets as shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 for use with shredder 10 ideally allow a user to drop off a stack of paper sheets or documents without having the need to manually feed individual or a present quantity of sheets into the shredder 10 .
- a user would add a stack of documents into the curved feed bed 15 of the tray 14 and be able to walk away.
- the shredder 10 may then either automatically engage in shredding the documents in the tray 14 (e.g., upon closure of the drawer 24 , lid 18 , or via sensor), or set a preset timer so as to delay the time the shredder 10 is activated for the shredding process to begin.
- a user may also activate the shredding process by pushing a button(s) on a control panel.
- shredder 10 One major advantage of the described advancement mechanisms in shredder 10 is the decreased amount of time a user must spend shredding documents. For example, the productivity of a user would be improved since the user is able to perform other tasks while the shredder 10 is activated. Another advantage is that the shredder 10 is designed to handle paper or documents of different sizes, textures, shapes, and thicknesses, including letter, legal, and A4 size paper, as well as envelopes and stapled sheets, for example. The documents may also be in any order.
- the shredder 10 may be utilized in a system having a centrally located shredder unit for a multitude of users.
- the shredder 10 allows for each individual to save what they need to shred at a later time in their own individual tray. An individual can fill his or her own tray until shredding is needed. Each individual may then insert the tray into the drawer 24 of the shredder 10 .
- the shredder 10 comprises a housing 12 that sits on top of a container 16 , which may house a separate and removable waste bin, bag, or collection device, or be a collection device or waste bin itself.
- the housing 12 may be a detachable shredder mechanism that may be removed from the container 16 , for example, in an embodiment.
- a step or pedal device can be provided on the container to allow a user to access therein (e.g., for emptying shredded particles) and/or to discard waste into the container (or bin housed therein) without being passed through the shredder mechanism 20 .
- part of the housing may include a door with a hinge to provide access to the inside of the container or bin.
- container 16 may have any suitable construction or configuration.
- a shredder that includes: a housing; a paper shredder mechanism received in the housing and including a motor and cutter elements, the motor rotating the cutter elements in an interleaving relationship for shredding paper sheets fed therein; a tray for holding a stack of paper sheets to be fed into the cutter elements; a movable feed mechanism positioned above the tray, the movable feed mechanism having at least one feed member with at least one elastic arm, the at least one feed member adjacent to the tray for engaging and disengaging the stack with the at least one elastic arm; and a feed driver system constructed to drive the at least one feed member to rotate in a feeding direction with the at least one elastic arm thereof elastically deforming to apply pressure and frictionally feed paper sheets atop the stack to the cutter elements.
- the method includes: providing a tray for holding a stack of articles for feeding into the cutter elements; providing a movable feed mechanism above the tray to advance articles into the cutter elements, the movable feed mechanism having at least one feed member with at least one elastic arm, the at least one feed member adjacent to the tray for engaging and disengaging the stack with the at least one elastic arm; rotating cutter elements in an interleaving relationship for shredding articles fed therein; and driving the movable feed mechanism in a feeding direction to feed articles to the cutter elements from atop the stack of paper sheets in the tray into the rotating cutter elements.
- the driving of the movable feed mechanism includes rotating the at least one feed member in a feeding direction with the elastic arm thereof elastically deforming to apply pressure and frictionally feed paper sheets atop the stack to the rotating cutter elements.
- a shredder that includes: a housing; a paper shredder mechanism received in the housing and including a motor and cutter elements, the motor rotating the cutter elements in an interleaving relationship for shredding paper sheets fed therein; a tray for holding a stack of paper sheets to be fed into the cutter elements; a drawer configured for sliding movement between an open position away from the shredder mechanism and a closed position adjacent to the shredder mechanism; a paper feed mechanism positioned above the tray, the paper feed mechanism having at least one feed member with at least one elastic arm adjacent to the tray, the at least one feed member adjacent to the tray for engaging and disengaging the stack with the at least one elastic arm; a feed driver system constructed to drive the at least one feed member to rotate in a feeding direction to feed paper atop the stack to the cutter elements; and a disengagement mechanism provided adjacent to the paper feed mechanism for holding the at least one feed member in an inoperable feeding position when the drawer is in the open position.
- this disclosure provides a method for operating a shredder for shredding.
- the method includes: providing a shredder mechanism with cutter elements positioned on parallel shafts; providing a tray for holding a stack of articles for feeding into the cutter elements; providing a drawer configured for sliding movement between an open position away from the shredder mechanism and a closed position adjacent to the shredder mechanism; providing a paper feed mechanism above the tray to advance articles into the cutter elements, the paper feed mechanism having at least one feed member with at least one elastic arm adjacent to the tray, the at least one feed member positioned adjacent to the tray for engaging and disengaging the stack with the at least one elastic arm; providing a disengagement mechanism adjacent to the paper feed mechanism for holding the paper feed mechanism in an inoperable feeding position when the drawer is in the open position; rotating cutter elements in an interleaving relationship on the parallel shafts for shredding articles fed therein; driving the paper feed mechanism to rotate in a feeding direction to feed articles to the cutter elements from atop the stack of articles in the tray into the rotating cutter elements; moving the drawer
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Food Science & Technology (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Crushing And Pulverization Processes (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- 1. Field
- The present invention is generally related to an apparatus having cutter elements for destroying documents such as paper sheets. In particular, the apparatus comprises a mechanism for advancing sheets from a stack of paper in a tray into the cutter elements for shredding.
- 2. Background
- A common type of shredder has a shredder mechanism contained within a housing that is mounted atop a container. The shredder mechanism typically includes a series of cutter elements that shred articles such as paper that are fed therein and discharge the shredded articles downwardly into the container. An example of such a shredder may be found, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,040,559.
- Prior art shredders have a predetermined amount of capacity or amount of paper that can be shredded in one pass between the cutter elements. Typically, the sheets of paper are fed into the shredder mechanism manually. Thus, when an operator needs to shred, he or she can only shred a number of sheets of paper by manually inserting one or more sheets one pass at a time. Examples of such shredders are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,192,467, 4,231,530, 4,232,860, 4,821,967, 4,986,481, 5,009,410, 5,188,301, 5,261,614, 5,362,002, 5,662,280, 5,772,129, 5,884,855, and 6,390,397 B1 and U.S. Patent Application Publications 2005/0274836 A1, 2006/0179987 A, 2006/0179987 A1, 2006/0249609 A1, and 2006/0249609 A1, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
- Other shredders are designed for automatic feeding. The shredder will include a bin in which a state of documents can be placed. A feeding mechanism can then feed the documents from the stack into the shredding mechanism. This type of shredder is desirable in an office setting for productivity reasons, as the user can leave the stack in the bin and leave the shredder to do its work. U.S. Pat. Nos. and Publication Nos. 7,828,235 B2, 8,123,152 B2, and 8,167,223 B2, assigned to the same assignee of this disclosure and each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety, show examples of different types of “auto feed” shredders. With manual feed shredders, the user would have to spend time feeding smaller portions of the stack manually, thus taking away from productivity time.
- One aspect of this disclosure provides a shredder. The shredder includes: a housing; a paper shredder mechanism received in the housing and including a motor and cutter elements, the motor rotating the cutter elements in an interleaving relationship for shredding paper sheets fed therein; a tray for holding a stack of paper sheets to be fed into the cutter elements; a movable feed mechanism positioned above the tray, the movable feed mechanism having at least one feed member with at least one elastic arm, the at least one feed member adjacent to the tray for engaging and disengaging the stack with the at least one elastic arm; and a feed driver system constructed to drive the at least one feed member to rotate in a feeding direction with the at least one elastic arm thereof elastically deforming to apply pressure and frictionally feed paper sheets atop the stack to the cutter elements.
- In another aspect of the disclosure, a method is provided for advancing articles into cutter elements for shredding. The method includes: providing a tray for holding a stack of articles for feeding into the cutter elements; providing a movable feed mechanism above the tray to advance articles into the cutter elements, the movable feed mechanism having at least one feed member with at least one elastic arm, the at least one feed member adjacent to the tray for engaging and disengaging the stack with the at least one elastic arm; rotating cutter elements in an interleaving relationship for shredding articles fed therein; and driving the movable feed mechanism in a feeding direction to feed articles to the cutter elements from atop the stack of paper sheets in the tray into the rotating cutter elements. The driving of the movable feed mechanism includes rotating the at least one feed member in a feeding direction with the elastic arm thereof elastically deforming to apply pressure and frictionally feed paper sheets atop the stack to the rotating cutter elements.
- Another aspect of this disclosure provides a shredder. The shredder includes: a housing; a paper shredder mechanism received in the housing and including a motor and cutter elements, the motor rotating the cutter elements in an interleaving relationship for shredding paper sheets fed therein; a tray for holding a stack of paper sheets to be fed into the cutter elements; a drawer configured for sliding movement between an open position away from the shredder mechanism and a closed position adjacent to the shredder mechanism; a paper feed mechanism positioned above the tray, the paper feed mechanism having at least one feed member adjacent to the tray for engaging and disengaging the stack; a feed driver system constructed to drive the at least one feed member to rotate in a feeding direction to feed paper atop the stack to the cutter elements; and a disengagement mechanism provided adjacent to the paper feed mechanism for holding the paper feed mechanism in an inoperable feeding position when the drawer is in the open position.
- Yet another aspect of this disclosure provides a method for operating a shredder for shredding. The method includes: providing a shredder mechanism with cutter elements positioned on parallel shafts; providing a tray for holding a stack of articles for feeding into the cutter elements; providing a drawer configured for sliding movement between an open position away from the shredder mechanism and a closed position adjacent to the shredder mechanism; providing a paper feed mechanism above the tray to advance articles into the cutter elements, the paper feed mechanism having at least one feed member adjacent to the tray for engaging and disengaging the stack; providing a disengagement mechanism adjacent to the paper feed mechanism for holding the paper feed mechanism in an inoperable feeding position when the drawer is in the open position; rotating cutter elements in an interleaving relationship on the parallel shafts for shredding articles fed therein; driving the paper feed mechanism to rotate in a feeding direction to feed articles to the cutter elements from atop the stack of articles in the tray into the rotating cutter elements; moving the drawer into its open position away from the shredder mechanism; and holding the paper feed mechanism in an inoperable feeding position using the disengagement mechanism.
- Other features and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a shredder in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 illustrates side view of a movable feed mechanism for use in the shredder ofFIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a feed member that is part of the movable feed mechanism ofFIG. 2 in accordance with an embodiment. -
FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate detailed side and bottom perspective views of an end of the feed member ofFIG. 3 in accordance with an embodiment. -
FIGS. 6 , 7, and 8 illustrate side views of the movable feed mechanism in operation for advancing paper in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIGS. 9 , 10, and 11 illustrate side views of the shredder ofFIG. 1 as the movable feed mechanism moves into an inoperative position and is held by a disengagement mechanism as a drawer and tray of the shredder are moved to an open position, in accordance with an embodiment. -
FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the drawer, tray, and movable feed mechanism in accordance with an embodiment. -
FIG. 13 illustrates a detailed, rear perspective view of the drawer, tray, and movable feed mechanism ofFIG. 12 , showing the disengagement mechanism in use, in accordance with an embodiment. -
FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate top views of the movable feed mechanism ofFIG. 12 during use in the shredder ofFIG. 1 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 16 illustrates a top perspective view of an optional strap for use with a movable feed mechanism. -
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shredder in accordance with an embodiment herein. Theshredder 10 is designed to destroy or shred articles such as paper. Theshredder 10 comprises ahousing 12 that sits on top of acontainer 16, for example. Thecontainer 16 receives paper that is shredded by theshredder 10. Thecontainer 16 may comprise a hole, an opening, or a handle 17 (e.g., molded) for a user to grasp. For example, the user may grabhandle 17 to open or access the inside of thecontainer 16. Thecontainer 16 may be used to house a separate and removable waste bin, bag, or collection device, for example, or be a collection device or waste bin itself. - Generally speaking, the
shredder 10 may have any suitable construction or configuration and the illustrated embodiment is not intended to be limiting in any way. - The
shredder 10 comprises apaper shredder mechanism 20 in thehousing 12, and includes a drive system with at least onemotor 23, such as an electrically powered motor, and a plurality ofcutter elements 21. Thecutter elements 21 are mounted on a pair of parallel mounting shafts (shown inFIG. 2 , for example) and are provided on such shafts in an interleaving fashion, and are sometimes referred to as a cutting block. A controller is provided in theshredder 10 to send electrical signals to the drive of the motor so that it rotates thecutting elements 21 of theshredder mechanism 20 in a shredding direction, thus enabling paper sheets to be fed therein, a reverse direction, to push sheets away from feeding (or out from thecutter elements 21 to prevent or stop further feeding), or to hold theshredder mechanism 20 in an idle position. Themotor 23 operates using electrical power to rotatably drive first and second rotatable shafts of theshredder mechanism 20 and their correspondinginterleaving cutter elements 21 through a conventional transmission (not shown) so that thecutter elements 21 shred or destroy articles fed therein (or reverse drive to remove fed articles or paper). The shredder mechanism may also include a sub-frame for mounting the shafts, motor, and transmission. The drive system may have any number of motors and may include one or more transmissions. Also, the plurality ofcutter elements 21 are mounted on the first and second rotatable shafts in any suitable manner and are rotated in an interleaving relationship for shredding paper sheets fed therein (e.g., therebetween via an entrance or throat). The operation and construction of such ashredder mechanism 20 is well known and need not be discussed herein in detail. - The
housing 12 ofshredder 10 is designed to sit atop acontainer 16, as noted above. Thehousing 12 works in cooperation with a cartridge ortray 14. Thetray 14 has afeed bed 15 and is designed to hold astack 22 of articles (e.g., seeFIG. 2 ) such as paper sheets therein that are to be shredded. Thefeed bed 15 can includeupstanding sides 15A on either side thereof to contain articles therein and aid in directing or guiding moving of articles as they are fed into theshredder mechanism 20. The paper sheets in thetray 14 orbed 15 may be of any type, size, or construction (e.g., white paper, letter size, legal size, A4, envelopes, etc.). The articles can include items such as, but not limited to, paper, business cards, discs (CDs or DVDs), etc. Accordingly, for purposes of this disclosure, articles, paper, and paper sheets may be used interchangeably throughout with reference to items in the stack, without any intention of limiting such types of items therein. - In an embodiment, the
shredder 10 includes adrawer 24. Thetray 14 is provided within thedrawer 24. Thedrawer 24 may comprise a hole, an opening, or ahandle 29, shown inFIG. 1 , for a user to grasp. For example, the user may grabhandle 29 to slide or move thedrawer 24 between an open position away from the shredder mechanism and a closed position adjacent to the shredder mechanism. Thetray 14 can be configured for movement with thedrawer 24. - The
tray 14 is mounted such that paper may be fed frombed 15 of thetray 14 and into thecutter elements 21 of the shredder mechanism 20 (e.g., when thedrawer 24 is closed). For example, thetray 14 andshredder mechanism 20 may be mounted horizontally such that the paper is fed into or between the interleavingcutter elements 21 of theshredder mechanism 20 at one end thereof and be destroyed. In an embodiment, thetray 14 has a length extending in a longitudinal direction relative to a longitudinal direction of thehousing 12 of theshredder 10, or theshredder 10 itself. In an embodiment, thedrawer 24 is mounted in a longitudinal direction relative to theshredder 10 and for movement in a horizontal manner relative to the shredder mechanism 20 (towards and away from it). The shafts of thecutter elements 21 can be positioned laterally or perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal direction of thetray 14,drawer 24, and/or of theshredder housing 12. - In an embodiment, the
tray 14 comprises a sloped or curved feed bed 15 (see, e.g.,FIG. 2 ). Thecurved feed bed 15 assists in feeding sheet(s) atop astack 22 in a forward and upward direction towards and/or into thecutters 21 of theshredder mechanism 20, for example. Acurved feed bed 15 also assists in preventing jamming of the paper in theshredder mechanism 20. Thefeed bed 15 can be curved in the longitudinal direction, e.g., from back (nearhandle 29 of drawer 24) to front (e.g., adjacent the entrance or throat into and between the interleaving cutter elements 21). As shown inFIG. 2 , thebed 15 itself includes a back end positioned distally from the shredder mechanism 20 (near handle 29 or front of drawer 24) that is positioned at an angle A relative to a horizontal plane of thedrawer 24, for example. This angle A of thecurved feed bed 15 creates a natural restrictor to paper feeding into theshredder mechanism 20. The angle A can aid in pushing articles in thestack 22 towards a front or proximal end of thebed 15 adjacent the shredder mechanism 20 (and a feed mechanism 36). Thus, despite the positioning of the sheets or articles in thetray 14, gravity resulting from the angle A can allow the sheets or articles to drop or lower towards the front end of thebed 15. The angle A can be varied relative to the horizontal plane and is not intended to be limiting. The front or proximal end of thebed 15 curves forwardly and upwardly towards theshredder mechanism 20 at an angle B relative to a horizontal plane of the drawer. In an embodiment, the angle B is at or approximately forty five (45) degrees (relative to the horizontal plane). In an embodiment, the angle B can be variable based on the desired amount of sheets for feeding into the cutting block orshredder mechanism 20. For example, a steeper or higher angle (relative to the horizontal plane) can reduce the ease of feeding thicker stack(s) of sheet(s) upwards along thecurved feed bed 15 and into theshredder mechanism 20. The ease of gripping and flow of the gripped sheets towards thecutter elements 21 can be altered based on the angle (e.g., increase the angle to restrict ease of feeding the sheets). In an embodiment, the angle B can be determined based on the location of theshredder mechanism 20. For example, the proximal end of thefeed bed 15 can be designed to direct and point into the nip of thecutters 21. Changing the angle A and/or the length of the surface of thecurved feed bed 15 can also alter or restrict the ease of the flow of sheet(s) into theshredder mechanism 20. - Accordingly, the curvature of the
feed bed 15 assists in positioning paper for feeding. Moreover, as further explained below, the curvature of thefeed bed 15 also assist in feeding paper into the shredder mechanism when at least onefeed member 36 is rotated in a feeding direction. - In an embodiment, the
drawer 24 ortray 14 is provided with alid 18, as shown inFIG. 1 . Thelid 18 can include a top and (right and left)side portions 18A that extend and align with (right and left) sides 15A of thetray 14 ordrawer 24. Thelid 18 is provided withhinges 19 such that thelid 18 may be pivoted between an open and closed position relative to thetray 14. Pivoting thelid 18 allows a user access to the inside oftray 14 orbed 15, such as for filling thetray 14 with paper to be shredded. In an embodiment, thetray 14 comprises a handle to assist in lifting the lid 18 (e.g., in the form of a lip provided near or on an edge of the lid). In an embodiment, the handle may extend from the side of thelid 18 on top oftray 14. However, any type or form of handle for assisting in lifting thelid 18 may be used and should not be limiting. Further, in accordance with an embodiment, thelid 18 need not be hinged or movable relative to the drawer. That is, thelid 18 can be provided as window for viewing thetray 14 orbed 15 and be provided as a stationary structure thatdrawer 24 is moved relative to. - In an embodiment, the
drawer 24 and/orlid 18 may comprise a safety switch. The safety switch may be used to detect if the drawer or lid is provided in an open position. The safety switch may be coupled to theshredder mechanism 20 to prevent operation of thecutter elements 21 when thedrawer 24 and/orlid 18 is in the open position. Similarly, when thedrawer 24 and/orlid 18 is in a closed position, theshredder mechanism 20 may be activated to begin operation of, or ready to operate upon queue, thecutter elements 21 and an advancement or feed mechanism, as will be described. - The
tray 14,lid 18, ordrawer 24 may also comprise a locking mechanism that prevents a user from opening or accessing the tray, which may not be desirable while the shredder is in use. For example, thelid 18 ordrawer 24 may include a magnetic latch. Alternatively, the tray or lid or drawer may include a code lock that prevents a user from opening the devices or having access to the tray. For example, a user may need to input a code into a control panel for access to the documents to be shredded in thetray 14. - In an embodiment, the
lid 18 and/ordrawer 24 may comprise an opening (not shown) for allowing insertion of paper sheets into thetray 14. That is, for example, when thelid 18 and/ordrawer 24 are in the closed position, an opening or gap may be formed between the lid and bottom of thetray 14 orfeed bed 15. Thus, thetray 14 may also be filled by inserting paper sheets (e.g., a single sheet or a small stack) through the gap and into thefeed bed 15 without having to lift thelid 18 or pull open thedrawer 24. This feature may be advantageous, for example, where the shredder is running and feeding from a large stack and the user simply wants to add a small number of documents to thetray 14 orbed 15. Rather than opening thelid 18 and stopping the shredding process with the safety switch, the user can just slip the small number of documents into thestack 22 via the gap. - However, the use of a lid in general is optional and may be omitted entirely. A user may add paper to the
tray 14 through an open top, for example. - Although not shown, a control panel may be provided for use with the
shredder 10 and may be provided on the machine itself or remotely associated therewith. A screen button, lights, LEDs, or other known devices may be provided on control panel. Generally, the use of a control panel is known in the art. The control panel can be provided to assist the user with theshredder 10 and communicate actions to the controller, e.g., to turn on the shredder mechanism (or off), start or set a timing mechanism or timer, activate or pause the shredder mechanism, lock access to the tray, etc. - The
shredder 10 also includes a feed mechanism opposed to or adjacent the tray surface for advancing at least a top sheet from a stack of paper in a tray into the interleavedcutter elements 21 for shredding. That is,shredder 10 is designed with an advancement mechanism for automatically feeding one or more sheets to ashredder mechanism 20 without requiring a user to manually feed individual or a preset quantity of sheets into the cuttingelements 21. -
FIG. 2 shows in detail an embodiment of an advancement mechanism in accordance with the present invention comprising amovable feed mechanism 26.FIG. 2 illustrates detailed side view of amovable feed mechanism 26 for use in thehousing 12 ofshredder 10 ofFIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Themovable feed mechanism 26 is positioned above thetray 14 orbed 15, adjacent to theshredder mechanism 20. Thefeed mechanism 26 comprises at least onefeed member 36 with abody 28 having at least oneelastic arm 38 and a feed driver system designed to work in cooperation with thestack 22 in thetray 14. As shown, at least onefeed member 36 of the feed mechanism is positioned above or adjacent to thebed 15 of thetray 14 for engaging and disengaging the stack with the at least one elastic arm. - In an embodiment, the at least one
feed member 36 is mounted on theaxle 34 for rotation (as indicated inFIG. 2 by arrow E) in a feeding direction (as indicated by arrow F inFIG. 2 ) with the at least oneelastic arm 38. Eachelastic arm 38 extends from abody 28 of thefeed member 26 and elastically deforms to apply pressure and frictionally feed paper sheets atop thestack 22 to thecutter elements 21 during rotation thereof, as described below with reference toFIGS. 6-8 . In an embodiment, theaxle 34 is provided on a horizontal axis that is parallel totray 14 and/or parallel to the parallel shafts of thecutter elements 21. The at least onefeed member 36 is rotated on theaxle 34 to engage and disengage the stack. The shape of thefeed member 36 is designed such that as it rotates about the axis ofaxle 34, theelastic arm 38 engages and disengages with the top of thestack 22. -
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of afeed member 36 that is part of themovable feed mechanism 26.Feed member 36 has abody 28 with a mounting portion having an opening 33 therethrough. Thebody 28 is mounted to an axle, such asaxle 34, for rotation therewith using the opening 33 of its mounting portion. Aninsert 35 or plug can be aligned and inserted into the opening 33 of thebody 28 to ensure a tight fit with the axle. For example, theinsert 35 includes an opening 37 that has a complimentary shape toaxle 34, allowing thebody 28 to be rotationally secured relative toaxle 34 using its mounting portion, and such that asaxle 34 is rotated, thefeed member 36 rotates therewith. - The
body 28 can be formed from a number of connected portions designed with openings therebetween or therein to accommodate bending or movement as thefeed member 36 is rotated. For example, thebody 28 can have at least two outer portions or ribs for possible contact with thestack 22 during rotation. The portions of thebody 28 are not equidistantly spaced (radially) relative to theaxle 34 of rotation when mounted thereon. In an embodiment, such as shown inFIG. 3 , thebody 28 can be an elongate body that extends radially from theaxle 34 once mounted thereon. The connected portions of thebody 28 can be formed in a radial direction outwardly from its mounting portion. For example, at one end, the at least two outer portions or ribs can be connected to and radially extend from the mounting portion (with the opening 33 therein) into thetray 14. The at least two outer portions can be connected to each other at their opposite ends (e.g., directly or via one or more other portions or ribs). Thebody 28 can have one or more openings, gaps, spaces, or cavities therein between the connected portions. The openings, gaps, spaces, or cavities can accommodate movement or bending of the connected portions during rotation (e.g., for receipt therein). In an embodiment, thebody 28 is substantially hollow. Additional portions or ribs can connect between to the at least two outer portions of thebody 28 and/or its mounting portion. In an embodiment, thebody 28 has a web-like or a cage-like configuration in that includes a number of ribs interconnected with each other. Non-limiting examples ofbodies 28 with interconnected ribs with openings for accommodating bending are shown inFIG. 3 as well as inFIG. 6 ,FIG. 12 , andFIG. 14 , for example. - The
body 28 can be formed from one or more elastic materials. Thebody 28 and/or its parts can bend, deflect or elastically deform during rotation (e.g., outer portions or ribs can at least temporarily bend or deflect into openings or gaps between the connected portions or ribs), and, based on its elastic properties, for example, resume or return to its original shape after its compression. - The at least one
elastic arm 38 extends from thebody 28 and includes anelongate body portion 46. Thebody portion 46 of theelastic arm 38 can extend further relative to and/or into thetray 14. In an embodiment, thebody portion 46 of theelastic arm 38 extends in a longitudinal direction relative to the length of thetray 14. In an embodiment, thebody portion 46 of theelastic arm 38 extends in a lateral direction relative to the width of thetray 14. In an embodiment, theelastic arm 38 extends both longitudinally and laterally from itsbody 28 and into thetray 14, e.g., such as shown inFIG. 3 or in an alternate design, as shown inFIG. 14 (see, e.g.,arm 38A). - A proximal end of the
elongate body portion 46 can connect to the connected at least two outer portions of thebody 28, for example, and have a distal end extending into thetray 14. The proximal end of thebody portion 46 of theelastic arm 38 acts like a bending or pivot point in that theelastic arm 38 can bend or pivot relative to thebody 28 based on applied pressure. Theelastic arm 38 extends a first distance or length from thebody 28 when measured from the body 28 (e.g., from its pivot point at its proximal end) to its distal end. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , theelastic arm 38 can includeoptional fingers 48 or antenna at an end of the body portion. Theoptional fingers 48 or antenna can be thinner segments (relative to the elongate body portion 46) at the distal end of theelongate body portion 46. The first distance or length of theelastic arm 38 can be measured between its pivot point at its proximal end and thefingers 48, for example. Thefingers 48, as shown, are not intended to be limiting by the illustrated design. - The
fingers 48, as shown inFIG. 3 , extend laterally from theelongate body portion 46 relative to the width of thetray 14, for example. Theoptional fingers 48 can be used to grab or grip smaller articles (e.g., envelopes) that could be positioned in thebed 15 in a place theelastic arm 38 itself might otherwise fail to contact. Theoptional fingers 48 also grip a surface of the article(s) in a lateral or horizontal direction (relative to the longitudinal direction of thetray 14, for example). That is, theoptional fingers 48 increase the surface area that theelastic arm 38 grasps on top of thestack 22. Accordingly, the placement of articles or paper in thestack 22 need not be precise. That is, the extension offingers 48 in the lateral direction relative to the tray allows for a user to place articles or paper or astack 22 into thefeed bed 15 of the tray without concern for exact alignment, order, and/or relative positioning of the articles in the stack 22 (e.g., documents do not necessarily need to be straight). - In accordance with an embodiment, each
elastic arm 38 is formed such that itsbody portion 46 extends in the lateral direction like fingers 48 (e.g., seeFIG. 14 ,arm 38A). Thus, thearm 38 itself can be formed to act like fingers 48 (and thus suchoptional fingers 48 are not necessarily required). - In an embodiment, the surface of the
elastic arm 38 and/orfingers 48 can be altered to improve its grip on at least the top sheet(s) in the stack. For example, theelastic arm 38 and/orfingers 48 can include a raised pattern or design. In an embodiment, a strip of material (e.g., a rubber strip, with or without a pattern or design) (not shown) can be provided on theelastic arm 38, itsbody portion 46, and/orfingers 48 to aid in the gripping force applied to thestack 22 during rotation of thefeed member 36. - The
elastic arm 38 works cooperatively with thecurved feed bed 15 oftray 14 as thefeed member 36 is rotated. As described below with reference toFIGS. 6-8 , eachfeed member 36 is configured to rotate 360 degrees about a horizontal axis viaaxle 34 and to elastically deform during said rotation. Theelastic arm 38 is moved from being extended away from thebody 28 when it initially contacts thestack 22, e.g., as shown inFIG. 6 , and compressed or deformed against and, in some cases, intobody 28 as thefeed member 26 is rotated, e.g., as shown inFIG. 7 . That is, thebody 28 itself (e.g., one or more of its connected portions or ribs) can be at least partially deformed to temporarily receive and accommodate the compressedelastic arm 38 in its openings, gaps, etc., e.g., as it rotates and moves along a length of thetray 14 and along the front or proximal end of thebed 15. Referring toFIG. 7 , for example, as eachfeed member 36 continues to rotate axially usingaxle 34, the pressure againstcurved feed bed 15 causes compression of at least theelastic arm 38 against and/or into thebody 28 of thefeed member 36. Accordingly, it can be seen that the distance or length of theelastic arm 38 as measured relative to thebody 28 changes during rotation and compression. The curve of thefeed bed 15 pushes the distal end of theelastic arm 38 closer to the axis point of the rotating elastic arm by bending or pivoting theelastic arm 38 about its pivot point at its proximal end. More specifically, the compression force on theelastic arm 38 from thecurved feed bed 15 deforms and bendsarm 38 towards thebody 28. Its distal end can be positioned against an outside end of thebody 28, optionally deforming an outer portion or rib of thebody 28 itself for receipt and accommodation of the distal end, as shown inFIG. 7 . In this compressed position, the distal end of the elastic arm is provided at a second distance or length relative to thebody 28. Specifically, the second distance or length between the distal end of theelastic arm 38 and the body 28 (e.g., at proximal end of elastic arm 38) during compression of theelastic arm 38 is less than the first distance between the distal end of theelastic arm 38 and the body 28 (e.g., at proximal end of elastic arm 38) during its extension and when out of contact with thecurved feed bed 15. Thus, at least each elastic arm elastically deforms to apply pressure to feed paper sheets atop the stack to the cutter elements. - As the
feed member 36 continues to rotate, theelastic arm 38 is guided along the front end (the end positioned at an angle B) and moves or snaps out of contact with the curved feed bed 15 (into its extended position). This releasing movement of theelastic arm 38, or decompression resulting from the resiliency of the arm, releases the pressure and frictional contact or force applied to the gripped sheet(s). Further, the elasticity of the arm enhances the feeding of the gripped sheet(s) into theshredder mechanism 20 because the decompression or movement of thearm 38 results in thearm 38 snapping into its extended position (relative to the body 28), and thus applies a pushing or shoving force to the gripped sheet(s) towards thecutter elements 21. This pushing, snapping, or shoving force is generated by the resiliency and releasing of the elastic arm, and further advances the gripped sheet(s) into the cutter elements. Theelastic arm 38 returns to an extended position relative to thebody 28 of thefeed member 36 and out of contact with gripped sheet(s). - Further, the
elastic arm 38, as shown inFIG. 3 , is not intended to be limiting by the illustrated design. For example, theelastic arm 38 may be formed to extend horizontally relative to alongitudinal tray 14 orbed 15, such as shown byarm 38A on each of thefeed members 36 inFIG. 12 andFIGS. 14 and 15 . - In an embodiment, the at least one
elastic arm 38 has a protrudingtip 40, shown inFIGS. 4 and 5 . The protrudingtip 40 is designed for insertion into thestack 22 as the at least oneelastic arm 38 applies pressure to the paper sheets atop thestack 22 during rotation of the at least onefeed member 36. The protrudingtip 40 can help grab more than one sheet from the top of thestack 22, for example. The first distance or length of theelastic arm 38 can be measured between its pivot point at its proximal end and the protrudingtip 40, for example. The protrudingtip 40 may be selectively retracted and extended from theelastic arm 38. For example, aholder 44 or housing (e.g., shown inFIG. 3 ) can be provided on theelastic arm 38 for the protrudingtip 40. As shown inFIG. 5 , theneedle 40 can be provided in a retracted position within thehousing 44 relative to a bottom (i.e., a portion for contact with thestack 22, or contact portion) of thebody portion 46 of theelastic arm 38. - During rotation of the feed member 36 (via rotation of axle 34), the at least one
elastic arm 38 elastically deforms to apply pressure to and snaps back into its original shape to frictionally feed paper sheet(s) atop thestack 22 to thecutter elements 21. For example, at least theelastic arm 38, and (optionally) part of the body of thefeed member 36 itself, is designed for compression against thestack 22, such as shown inFIG. 7 , which can thereby press or move the protruding tip 40 (out of the housing 44), as shown inFIG. 4 , for engagement with and/or into thestack 22. Eachfeed member 36 continues to rotate via axle 34 (each turn being 360 degrees) and elastically deforms during said rotation. The distance between the protrudingtip 40 and thebody 28 during compression of at least theelastic arm 38 is less than the first distance as measured during extension of theelastic arm 38. When thefeed member 36 snaps back into its original shape after its temporary deformation (e.g., upon release of contact withcurved feed bed 15 and thus release of stress thereon, its elasticity and resiliency causes it to move back to its extended position), it further aids in forcing sheet(s) into the interleavedcutter elements 21. - Thus, the
body 28 is formed such that pressure againstcurved feed bed 15 causes compression of at least theelastic arm 38 against and/or into thebody 28 of thefeed member 36 and further or deeper insertion of the optional protrudingtip 40 into thestack 22 as it drives the sheet(s) from thestack 22 up the curved surface of thecurved feed bed 15. Thebody 28 is also formed such that decompression of at least theelastic arm 38 after disengagement from thecurved feed bed 15 causes a snap force that aids in feeding sheet(s) (forwardly) into thecutter elements 21 for shredding. - In an embodiment, the protruding
tip 40 is provided in the form of a needle. In an embodiment, the protrudingtip 40 is provided in the form of a pin. - In an embodiment, each
feed member 36 is integrally molded as a single part (e.g.,body 28,elastic arm 38,fingers 48, etc.). In an embodiment, the parts can be molded separately and adhered together. Theinsert 35 can be added to thefeed member 36 after molding, or overmolded. In an embodiment, aninsert 35 need not be used, i.e., the opening 33 can be formed to cooperatively fit with theaxle 34. The protrudingtip 40 can be pushed or inserted through the elastic arm 38 (e.g., into housing 44) after its molding or forming. The protrudingtip 40 can be designed such that it is held within and not removable from thehousing 44 once inserted (e.g., via a barb, flange, adhesive, etc.). Further, aspecific housing 44 need not be provided. That is, theelastic arm 38 itself can accommodate the acceptance and insertion or addition of a needle, pin, or other type of protrudingtip 40. - In an embodiment, similar or the same materials are used to form parts of the
body 28 and the at least oneelastic arm 38. In an embodiment, different materials are used to form parts of thebody 28 and the at least oneelastic arm 38. - In an embodiment, the
feed member 36 is formed from a material having a durometer between approximately 70 to approximately 75 Shore A (inclusive). - In an embodiment, the
movable feed mechanism 26 comprises twofeed members 36 adjacent to the tray, such as shown inFIG. 1 . Eachfeed member 36 has oneelastic arm 38 and both are mounted on theaxle 34. Eachelastic arm 38 can include a protrudingtip 40 for insertion into the stack of paper sheets as the feed members rotate in the feeding direction (arrow F). - In an embodiment, the
movable feed mechanism 26 includes one or more articulating or pivotarms 30, as shown inFIG. 1 , for example. Thepivot arms 30 can be used along with other gears or devices to rotate theaxle 34 and thus rotate thefeed members 36 mounted thereon. Further, in an embodiment, thepivot arms 30 are used to move the one ormore feed members 36 between a lowered position for engaging thestack 22 to feed paper and a raised position for disengaging from the stack during rotation of the at least onefeed member 26. More specifically, one end of eacharm 30 is configured for pivoting, while another end of eacharm 30 is connected toaxle 34. Thearms 30 may be configured to pivot about anaxis 32 within thehousing 12, as shown by arrow C inFIG. 2 , and thus moveaxle 34. For example, thearms 30 may be configured to move in a reciprocating fashion between the lower and raised positions in a vertical direction, as shown by arrow D inFIG. 2 , relative to thestack 22 in thefeed bed 15, and thus moveaxle 34 andfeed members 36 thereon vertically relative to thefeed bed 15. - A right side view of parts in the
housing 12 are only shown in FIGS. 2 and 6-11. However, it should be understood that parts on a left side are substantially similar to those shown and described in detail below. - The
movable feed mechanism 26, therefore, is designed to both rotate thefeed member 36 and articulate thepivot arms 30 during said rotation such that frictional force can be used to grasp and feed paper picked from atop astack 22 into theshredder mechanism 20. As thepivot arms 30 are moved between the lowered position and the raised position, the protrudingtip 40 of the at least one elastic arm can remain inserted into thestack 22 or sheets grasped from atop thestack 22. Further, the protrudingtip 40 of the at least oneelastic arm 38 is configured exert greater pressure on thestack 22 via driving the protruding point into thestack 22 of paper pressing itself and the paper against an opposing (curved) surface of thetray 14 as the pivot arm is moved between the lowered position and the raised position and as at least theelastic arm 38 is temporarily compressed and deformed as it moves about the curved feed bed 15 (during rotation of the feed member 36). Thearm 30 can be moved relative to thetray 14 orfeed bed 15 so as to allow rotation aboutaxle 34 and deformation of at least theelastic arm 38 of eachfeed member 36 and rotation thereof while still providing friction to any picked articles or sheets. - Accordingly, the
shredder 10 includes a feed driver system constructed and arranged to drive the at least onefeed member 36 to rotate about a (horizontal) axis in a feeding direction (arrow F) (via rotation of axle 34) with the at least oneelastic arm 38 thereof elastically deforming to apply pressure and frictionally feed paper sheets atop thestack 22 to thecutter elements 21 of theshredder mechanism 20. In an embodiment, the feed driver system is also constructed and arranged to also pivot thepivot arm 30 such that the at least onefeed member 36 is moved relatively down into engagement with thestack 22 and out of engagement with thestack 22 as thefeed member 36 rotates 360 degrees about its axis onaxle 34. - In an embodiment, the
shredder 10 includes a driver for moving the at least onefeed member 36 and its at least oneelastic arm 38 between the lowered and raised positions and a rotary driver connected to the at least onefeed member 36 for its rotation. - In an embodiment, the feed driver system includes a driver for rotating the axle to drive an
axle 34 to rotate twofeed members 36 about an axis in the feeding direction with theirelastic arms 38 elastically deforming to apply pressure and frictionally feed paper atop thestack 22 to thecutter elements 21. - The number of
feed members 36 mounted onaxle 34 is not intended to be limiting. In an embodiment, themovable feed mechanism 26 has a plurality or array offeed members 36 withelastic arms 38 provided for rotation alongaxle 34. A plurality offeed members 36 aids in covering a greater length or width of the tray 14 (in a horizontal direction) and thus aids in grasping and feeding at least the top sheet(s) of paper from thestack 22. - In an embodiment, the
pivot arm 30 is rotated about itsaxis 32 using a motor(s) and/or drive wheel mechanism(s). In an embodiment, the rotation of theaxis 32 of thepivot arm 30 is driven based on the rotation of theshredder mechanism 20. In an embodiment, thepivot arm 30 is articulated and activated for rotation using thesame motor 23 used to drive theshredder mechanism 20. In an embodiment, thepivot arm 30 can be free floating about its pivot point onaxis 32. Theaxis 32 can be a same axis as one of the parallel axes of the cutter elements 21 (e.g., seeFIG. 2 andFIG. 12 ). Thearms 30 may move cyclically with respect to theshredder mechanism 20 when theshredder mechanism 20 is activated. For example, the rotation of thepivot arm 30 may be linked or connected by belts, axles, or gears, as known in the art, to rotate upon activation of thecutter elements 21 in theshredder mechanism 20. In an embodiment, thepivot arm 30 uses a separate motor for articulation. - In an embodiment, the
axle 34 and thus feed member(s) 36 of themovable feed mechanism 26 is rotated about its axis using a motor(s) and/or drive wheel mechanism(s). In an embodiment, the rotation of theaxle 34 is driven based on the rotation of theshredder mechanism 20. In an embodiment,axle 34 is activated for rotation using thesame motor 23 used to drive theshredder mechanism 20. For example, the rotation of theaxle 34 may be linked by belts, axles, or gears, as known in the art, to rotate upon activation of thecutter elements 21 in theshredder mechanism 20. In an embodiment, theaxle 34 uses a separate motor for rotation. - The
rotating feed members 36 andaxle 34 can be connected to a spur gear (drive gear) on theaxis 32, i.e., an axle or shaft of the cutter elements 21 (as seen inFIG. 2 ). In an embodiment, several gears or a gear train (e.g., seeFIG. 12 , showing three gears configured for rotation via rotational movement of the axle on axis 32) can be used to rotateaxle 34. Thus, as an axle of thecutter elements 21 is rotated, the gears and thus theaxle 34 is rotated. In an embodiment, a chain could be used to link an axle alongaxis 32 or a spur gear (drive gear) on theaxis 32 to a driven gear residing onaxle 34 for rotation thereof. - In an embodiment, each
feed member 36 and/orpivot arm 30 is removable or replaceable, for example, if damaged. - In an embodiment, a
deflector device 42 is provided. Thedeflector device 42 has a paper deflecting surface provided above the shredder mechanism that is configured to deflect and direct paper grasped fed by the at least onefeed member 36 of themovable feed mechanism 26 into theshredder mechanism 20.FIG. 2 andFIG. 14 show examples of a positioning and use of adeflector device 42, for example. Thedeflector device 42 may be designed such that it at least partially surrounds or at least is positioned adjacent themovable feed mechanism 26 in theshredder 10, while still providing clearance for its rotation. Thedeflector device 50 is used to ensure direction and feeding of the picked or separated articles or paper sheet(s) into thecutter elements 21 of theshredder mechanism 20. -
FIG. 16 illustrates a top perspective view of anoptional strap 60 for use with themovable feed mechanism 26 ofFIGS. 14 and 15 . Thestrap 60 can be used as a deflector to keep paper from wrapping around theaxle 34 and/or feedmembers 36 during rotation. For example, if the gripped sheet(s) are not fed or directed into thecutters 21, thestrap 60 prevents the sheet(s) from rotationally moving around with thefeed members 36 of thefeed mechanism 26. In an embodiment,strap 60 is used in addition to a deflector 42 (as shown). However, use ofdeflector 42 is optional and need not be provided. - In an embodiment, the
deflector 50 orstrap 60 can further be used to guide paper during an auto-reverse situation of thecutters 21 of theshredder mechanism 20. For example, theshredder mechanism 20 can be configured to rotate the axles of thecutter elements 21 in an opposite rotational direction (opposite to the shredding direction) upon detection of overload or over limit of fed sheet(s). For example, if the number or thickness of sheet(s) that are fed to the cutter elements is exceeded, a controller can be used to auto-reverse the rotation of thecutter elements 21. Thedeflector 50 and/orstrap 60 can then guide sheet(s) during such auto-reverse situations so as to help guide the sheet(s) back into thetray 14 ordrawer 24. -
FIGS. 6 , 7, and 8 illustrate side views of the movable feed mechanism in operation for advancing paper in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As previously noted, the feed driver system (not shown) ofshredder 10 is constructed to rotate and move themovable feed mechanism 26 and its parts. The feed driver system (not shown) is constructed and arranged to rotate theaxle 34 and thus thefeed member 36 in a feeding direction with the at least oneelastic arm 38 to engage and feed paper atop thestack 22 in thebed 15 of thetray 14 to thecutter elements 21 of theshredder mechanism 20, and move thepivot arms 30 and thus thefeed member 36 in an alternating manner between a lowered and raised position relative to thefeed bed 15 of the tray 14 (e.g., in a substantially vertical direction), such that thefeed member 36 alternates between engaging thestack 22 with the at least oneelastic arm 38 to feed paper and disengaging from thestack 22 to allow the cutter elements to advance the paper therethrough. - When the
shredder 10 is activated, thefeed members 36 are lowered to the lower position such that at least theelastic arms 38 engage the top of thestack 22, as shown inFIG. 6 . The feed drive system activates and rotates thefeed members 36 such that at least a top sheet of thestack 22 is fed into theshredder mechanism 20. Specifically, thefeed members 36 are rotated about theiraxle 34 and theelastic arms 38 are moved into contact with at least a top sheet of thestack 22. As thebodies 28 of thefeed members 36 rotate, the elastic arms 38 (e.g.,body portion 46 and/or fingers 48) grasp at least the top sheet for advancement and feeding. As the sheet(s) 30 is (are) fed forward, thepivot arms 30 are articulated upwardly towards a raised position, and thus feedmembers 36 move to a raised position, as depicted inFIG. 7 . Further, theelastic arms 38 elastically deform against the curvature of the proximal end of thefeed bed 15 and apply pressure to at least the picked or separated top sheet. The protrudingtips 40 can be extended from theelastic arms 38 during its contact with thestack 22 and rotation of thefeed member 36. For example, during rotation of thefeed member 36, at least each of theelastic arms 38 compresses as it makes contact with thestack 22 in thecurved feed bed 15. That is, for about 180 degrees of the full rotation, theelastic arms 38 compress against thebed 15 to create a frictional force forcing the paper into thecutters 21. A secondary action can take place as theelastic arms 38 are deformed and moves up thecurved feed bed 15, as shown inFIG. 7 . The protrudingarms 40 can extend out of the end of each of theelastic arms 38 and be inserted (e.g., puncturing or piercing) into at least the top sheet of thestack 22 to help feed the paper towards theshredder mechanism 20 as thefeed members 36 rotate in the feeding direction (as theelastic arm 38 applies pressure to the paper sheet(s) and is moved along and deformed against the curvature of the curved feed bed 15). The protrudingtips 40 can aid in grasping, for example, lower friction paper or slippery stock, such as glossy paper, that is provided in thestack 22 by piercing through at least a portion of the sheet(s), and thus reduce or prevent multiple passes of thefeed member 36 to move such articles towards and into theshredder mechanism 20. The sheet(s) are then grasped and pulled (e.g., by their ends) into theshredder mechanism 20 by thecutter elements 21. As thefeed members 36 continue its 360 degree rotation, theelastic arms 38 are moved out of contact with thecurved feed bed 15 and the pressure on the gripped sheet(s) is released. As the pressure and frictional contact with the gripped sheet(s) is released, the elasticity of the arm enhances the feeding of the gripped sheet(s) into theshredder mechanism 20 by applying a pushing force to the sheet(s) towards thecutter elements 21. Theelastic arms 38 thereafter return to an extended position relative to thebody 28 of their associatedfeed member 36. Thefeed members 36 are then moved back to the lowered position, as seen inFIG. 8 , to thus allow theelastic arms 38 to re-engage thestack 22 and advance the next or top sheet(s) into theshredder mechanism 20. - The advantage of raising and lowering the
feed members 36 in an upward and downward movement is that it reduces jamming from occurring and accommodates the deformation of theelastic arms 38 as the axle is rotated. Additionally, acurved feed bed 15 also aids to prevent jamming. - The variability of the curve of the
curved feed bed 15 along with the force exerted by at least theelastic arms 38 of the feed members 36 (andoptional fingers 48 or rubber strip) on the curved portion of thetray 14 can all be considered and to control an amount of paper entering intocutter elements 21 per rotation of theelastic arms 38. - In an embodiment, the movement of the
feed members 36 need only be used to advance sheet(s) partially, such that thecutter elements 21 themselves grasp and pull the rest of the sheet(s) therebetween. -
FIGS. 12 , 14 and 15 illustrate another embodiment of afeed member 36 for use inmovable feed mechanism 26. Eachfeed member 36 includes a body with anelastic arm 38A on an end thereof that is configured to operate in a similar manner as described with reference to thefeed member 36 shown inFIG. 3 . As shown inFIG. 12 andFIG. 14 , eachfeed member 36 is provided on anaxle 34 for rotation therewith to feed articles from thecurved feed bed 15 towards and into the shredder mechanism. Although not necessarily repeated here, it should be understood that the use of similar reference numbers inFIGS. 14-16 demonstrate similar features of a shredder mechanism as described herein. That is, themovable feed mechanism 26 as shown in FIGS. 12 and 14-15 is designed for feeding articles or paper from thestack 22 in acurved feed bed 15 by driving thefeed members 36 to rotate in a feeding direction with the theirelastic arms 38A elastically deforming to apply pressure and frictionally feed paper sheets atop thestack 22 to thecutter elements 21 when it is providing in an operating or operable position adjacent to thetray 14 andshredder mechanism 20. As shown inFIG. 15 , protrudingtips 40 or needles can be provided on eachelastic arm 38A of the feed mechanism for insertion into thestack 22 of paper sheets as theelastic arm 38A applies pressure to the paper sheets atop the stack 22 (e.g., as shown inFIG. 14 ) during rotation of thefeed members 36 usingaxle 34. Also, pivotarms 30 can be provided on either side of theaxle 34 for articulating theaxle 34 and thus thefeed members 36 between a lowered position for engaging the stack and a raised position for disengaging from the stack during rotation and use of themovable feed mechanism 26. - In accordance with an embodiment, the
feed mechanism 26 may be moved or lifted to a third position, i.e., an inoperative or inoperable feed position away from the stack in thetray 14. For example, in an embodiment, when thedrawer 24 of the shredder is moved or pulled out to its open position, at least thefeed members 36 of thefeed mechanism 26 are moved up or lifted up to a higher position away from thefeed bed 15 of thetray 14 such that paper or articles may be inserted into thefeed bed 15 of thetray 14, e.g., via movement of theaxle 34 and pivotarms 30. Further, thefeed members 36 can be inhibited from rotation. After insertion of the articles into thestack 22, thedrawer 24 can be pushed or moved to its closed position adjacent to theshredder mechanism 20. - To lift the
feed mechanism 26 into its third or inoperative feeding position when thedrawer 24 is moved or slid into the open position (e.g., by pulling on handle 29), the drawer includes a guide channel with anopening 25 withguide walls 27, such as shown inFIG. 2 andFIG. 10 . Thewalls 27 are designed at an angle to direct movement of the at least onefeed member 36 of thefeed mechanism 26 into the inoperable feeding position (away from the tray 14) as thedrawer 24 is pulled outwardly away from theshredder mechanism 20. Theaxle 34 is guided from theopening 25 along theguide walls 27 in an upward or angled direction as thedrawer 24 is moved. Thepivot arms 30 are pivoted aboutaxis 32 in an upward direction away from thetray 14. - In an embodiment, the pivot angle of the
pivot arms 30 is about 30 degrees to about 40 degrees. However, such angles are not intended to be limiting. The pivot angle for thepivot arms 30 can vary depending on a depth of thetray 14 and a total rated quantity for the machine (e.g., the higher the stack of paper, the larger the degree of movement needed to disengage with the stack when the drawer is open). - To hold or maintain the
axle 34, thepivot arms 30, and thus thefeed mechanism 26 in the inoperable feeding position when thedrawer 24 is in the open position, at least onedisengagement mechanism 50 or retainer is provided adjacent to thefeed mechanism 26. In an embodiment, adisengagement mechanism 50 is provided near either end of the axle 34 (e.g., seeFIG. 12 orFIG. 13 ). Thedisengagement mechanism 50 can be in the form of a paddle that is configured for movement between a retracted position away from thefeed mechanism 26 and an extended position in contact with thefeed mechanism 26. For example, paddles can be mounted for pivotal rotation about an axis at apoint 52 on either side of thehousing 12. The paddle can include a top surface for holding theaxle 34 in the inoperative position (e.g., seeFIG. 13 ). Thedisengagement mechanism 50 can be moved and placed in an extended position when the drawer is in the open position, and hold the at least onefeed member 36 andfeed mechanism 26 in the inoperable feeding position away from thetray 14. Thedrive axle 34 travels up thewalls 27 of the guide channel and then onto thetop surface 50 of thebiased retainer 50. - The
paddles 50 rotate about pivot points 52 into and out of activation to lift and/or hold and release theaxle 34. A torsion spring can be provided at eachpivot point 52 to bias theretainer 50 in an upright or extended position when thedrawer 24 is in the open position. Thus, as thedrawer 24 is moved away from theshredder mechanism 20, theretainer 50 pivots as a result of the force from the torsion spring from a storage position to an extended holding position when the drawer is pulled out. The action of closing thedrawer 24 pushes theretainer 50 about thepivot point 52 past the upright or extended position against the torsional force of the torsion spring via pivoting it downwardly so as to release the drive axle 34 (from the top surface of the retainer 50) as to allow thedrive axle 34 to be guided back towards thestack 22. -
FIGS. 9 , 10, and 11 illustrate side views of the shredder ofFIG. 1 as thefeed mechanism 26 moves into an inoperative position and is held bydisengagement mechanisms 50 on either side of thedrawer 24 asdrawer 24 andtray 14 of the shredder are moved to an open position. Only one side of the drawer and disengagement mechanism are shown inFIGS. 9-11 , though it should be understood that the opposite side is substantially similar in construction, as depicted inFIGS. 12-13 , for example. As seen inFIG. 9 , as thedrawer 24 is moved away from theshredder mechanism 20, thefeed mechanism 26 is moved upwardly via angled and upward guidance of axle 34 (connected to pivot arms 30) alongwall 27. Thepivot arms 30 are pivoted upwardly away from thetray 14 as theaxle 34 is guided along the wall(s) 27. Thedisengagement mechanisms 50 can each rotate about theiraxis 52 from its retracted position to its extended position. As theaxle 34 is guided over a back edge of the drawer, as shown inFIG. 10 , it is moved into contact with thedisengagement mechanisms 50.FIG. 11 shows thedisengagement mechanism 50 in its extended position holding thefeed mechanism 26 and thus feedmembers 36 in an inoperative feeding position. This allows for filling of thetray 14, for example. - The
drawer 24 only has to be partially open as to initiate the movement of theaxle 34 up alongwalls 27 of the guide channel on its way to rest on the top surface of the extended,biased retainer 50. The action of opening thedrawer 24 allows theretainer 50 to pivot to its extended position (e.g., a vertical orientation). - In addition to guiding movement of the
feed mechanism 26 into a third position, theopening 25 andwall 27 in thedrawer 24 further provided clearance for when theaxle 34 is moved between its lowered and raised positions. - In an embodiment, the
shredder 10 includes a safety switch for detecting if thedrawer 24 orlid 18 is moved to the open position. The safety switch is coupled to theshredder mechanism 20 and constructed and arranged to prevent operation of the cutter elements when the drawer or lid is in the open position. The shredder may also comprise any number of sensors. In an embodiment, a sensor is provided intray 14,feed bed 15, and/ordrawer 24 for sensing the presence of paper sheets or astack 22. The sensor may be used to communicate with a controller in theshredder mechanism 20 that sheets are ready to be shredded or destroyed, or to communicate with the feed driver system. The presence of sheets may also start a timer for controlling at least a start time for rotating thefeed mechanism 26. A time delay may also be activated such that afeed mechanism 26 begins to move or rotate after a set period of time (e.g., 30 minutes, 1 hour). The sensor may be of any type, e.g., optical, electrical, mechanical, etc. and should not be limiting. Additionally, audio sensors may be used withtray 14,bed 15, ordrawer 24. For example, a sensor may be able to pick-up audio signals or sounds when paper is shredding or as paper is lifted. Further, in an embodiment, thepivot arms 30 may be activated and articulated (e.g., up and down or pivotally) when thelid 18 ordrawer 24 is closed. When thedrawer 24 is opened or thelid 18 is lifted to access thetray 14, the motor may be deactivated via sensor detection, thus thefeed mechanism 26 is prevented from movement (e.g., pivotally or up and down, or the rotation of, or both). - As the drawer is moved to its closed position adjacent to the
shredder mechanism 20, the paper feed mechanism is released from holding thefeed mechanism 26 in the inoperable position. That is, as the drawer is pushed forward, at least theaxle 34 is moved along the back edge of thedrawer 24 and guided downwardly along thewall 27 of the guide channels into theopening 25. It is thus moved to an operable position for advancing the articles into thecutter elements 21 of theshredder mechanism 20. - The
shredder 10 may also comprise a control panel (not shown). - A power switch (not shown) may also be provided on the
shredder 10. The power switch may be provided ontray 14, for example, or anywhere else on theshredder 10. The power switch can include a manually engageable portion connected to a switch module (not shown). Movement of the manually engageable portion of switch moves the switch module between states. The switch module is communicated to a controller (not shown) which may include a circuit board. Typically, a power supply (not shown) is connected to the controller by a standard power cord with a plug on its end that plugs into a standard AC outlet. The controller is likewise communicated to the motor of theshredder mechanism 20. When the switch is moved to an on position, the controller can send an electrical signal to the drive of the motor so that it rotates the cuttingelements 21 of theshredder mechanism 20 in a shredding direction, thus enabling paper sheets to be fed therein. The switch may also be moved to an off position, which causes the controller to stop operation of the motor. Further, the switch may also have an idle or ready position (which can communicate with an optional control panel, for example). The switch module contains appropriate contacts for signaling the position of the switch's manually engageable portion. Generally, the construction and operation of the switch and controller for controlling the motor are well known and any construction for these may be used. Also, the switch need not have distinct positions corresponding to on/off/idle, and these conditions may be states selected in the controller by the operation of the switch. - The
shredder 10 may have any suitable construction or configuration and the illustrated embodiments are not intended to be limiting in any way. - The advancement or feed
mechanisms 26 for “automatically” feeding one or more sheets as shown inFIG. 1 orFIG. 2 for use withshredder 10 ideally allow a user to drop off a stack of paper sheets or documents without having the need to manually feed individual or a present quantity of sheets into theshredder 10. For example, a user would add a stack of documents into thecurved feed bed 15 of thetray 14 and be able to walk away. Theshredder 10 may then either automatically engage in shredding the documents in the tray 14 (e.g., upon closure of thedrawer 24,lid 18, or via sensor), or set a preset timer so as to delay the time theshredder 10 is activated for the shredding process to begin. A user may also activate the shredding process by pushing a button(s) on a control panel. - One major advantage of the described advancement mechanisms in
shredder 10 is the decreased amount of time a user must spend shredding documents. For example, the productivity of a user would be improved since the user is able to perform other tasks while theshredder 10 is activated. Another advantage is that theshredder 10 is designed to handle paper or documents of different sizes, textures, shapes, and thicknesses, including letter, legal, and A4 size paper, as well as envelopes and stapled sheets, for example. The documents may also be in any order. - Optionally, the
shredder 10 may be utilized in a system having a centrally located shredder unit for a multitude of users. For example, theshredder 10 allows for each individual to save what they need to shred at a later time in their own individual tray. An individual can fill his or her own tray until shredding is needed. Each individual may then insert the tray into thedrawer 24 of theshredder 10. - As noted above with respect to
FIG. 1 , theshredder 10 comprises ahousing 12 that sits on top of acontainer 16, which may house a separate and removable waste bin, bag, or collection device, or be a collection device or waste bin itself. However, it should be understood that such a depiction is not intended to be limiting. Further, thehousing 12 may be a detachable shredder mechanism that may be removed from thecontainer 16, for example, in an embodiment. In an embodiment, a step or pedal device can be provided on the container to allow a user to access therein (e.g., for emptying shredded particles) and/or to discard waste into the container (or bin housed therein) without being passed through theshredder mechanism 20. In an embodiment, part of the housing may include a door with a hinge to provide access to the inside of the container or bin. - Although a waste bin is described as being provided in the
container 16 in the above embodiments, it is optional and may omitted entirely. Generally,container 16 may have any suitable construction or configuration. - Accordingly, this disclosure is directed towards a shredder that includes: a housing; a paper shredder mechanism received in the housing and including a motor and cutter elements, the motor rotating the cutter elements in an interleaving relationship for shredding paper sheets fed therein; a tray for holding a stack of paper sheets to be fed into the cutter elements; a movable feed mechanism positioned above the tray, the movable feed mechanism having at least one feed member with at least one elastic arm, the at least one feed member adjacent to the tray for engaging and disengaging the stack with the at least one elastic arm; and a feed driver system constructed to drive the at least one feed member to rotate in a feeding direction with the at least one elastic arm thereof elastically deforming to apply pressure and frictionally feed paper sheets atop the stack to the cutter elements.
- Also provided is a method for advancing articles into cutter elements for shredding. The method includes: providing a tray for holding a stack of articles for feeding into the cutter elements; providing a movable feed mechanism above the tray to advance articles into the cutter elements, the movable feed mechanism having at least one feed member with at least one elastic arm, the at least one feed member adjacent to the tray for engaging and disengaging the stack with the at least one elastic arm; rotating cutter elements in an interleaving relationship for shredding articles fed therein; and driving the movable feed mechanism in a feeding direction to feed articles to the cutter elements from atop the stack of paper sheets in the tray into the rotating cutter elements. The driving of the movable feed mechanism includes rotating the at least one feed member in a feeding direction with the elastic arm thereof elastically deforming to apply pressure and frictionally feed paper sheets atop the stack to the rotating cutter elements.
- This disclosure also describes a shredder that includes: a housing; a paper shredder mechanism received in the housing and including a motor and cutter elements, the motor rotating the cutter elements in an interleaving relationship for shredding paper sheets fed therein; a tray for holding a stack of paper sheets to be fed into the cutter elements; a drawer configured for sliding movement between an open position away from the shredder mechanism and a closed position adjacent to the shredder mechanism; a paper feed mechanism positioned above the tray, the paper feed mechanism having at least one feed member with at least one elastic arm adjacent to the tray, the at least one feed member adjacent to the tray for engaging and disengaging the stack with the at least one elastic arm; a feed driver system constructed to drive the at least one feed member to rotate in a feeding direction to feed paper atop the stack to the cutter elements; and a disengagement mechanism provided adjacent to the paper feed mechanism for holding the at least one feed member in an inoperable feeding position when the drawer is in the open position.
- Also, this disclosure provides a method for operating a shredder for shredding. The method includes: providing a shredder mechanism with cutter elements positioned on parallel shafts; providing a tray for holding a stack of articles for feeding into the cutter elements; providing a drawer configured for sliding movement between an open position away from the shredder mechanism and a closed position adjacent to the shredder mechanism; providing a paper feed mechanism above the tray to advance articles into the cutter elements, the paper feed mechanism having at least one feed member with at least one elastic arm adjacent to the tray, the at least one feed member positioned adjacent to the tray for engaging and disengaging the stack with the at least one elastic arm; providing a disengagement mechanism adjacent to the paper feed mechanism for holding the paper feed mechanism in an inoperable feeding position when the drawer is in the open position; rotating cutter elements in an interleaving relationship on the parallel shafts for shredding articles fed therein; driving the paper feed mechanism to rotate in a feeding direction to feed articles to the cutter elements from atop the stack of articles in the tray into the rotating cutter elements; moving the drawer into its open position away from the shredder mechanism; and holding the paper feed mechanism in an inoperable feeding position using the disengagement mechanism.
- While the principles of the invention have been made clear in the illustrative embodiments set forth above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made to the structure, arrangement, proportion, elements, materials, and components used in the practice of the invention.
- It will thus be seen that the objects of this invention have been fully and effectively accomplished. It will be realized, however, that the foregoing preferred specific embodiments have been shown and described for the purpose of illustrating the functional and structural principles of this invention and are subject to change without departure from such principles. Therefore, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the following claims.
Claims (41)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/042,384 US9669411B2 (en) | 2013-09-30 | 2013-09-30 | Shredder auto feed system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/042,384 US9669411B2 (en) | 2013-09-30 | 2013-09-30 | Shredder auto feed system |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20150090818A1 true US20150090818A1 (en) | 2015-04-02 |
US9669411B2 US9669411B2 (en) | 2017-06-06 |
Family
ID=52739118
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/042,384 Active 2035-10-19 US9669411B2 (en) | 2013-09-30 | 2013-09-30 | Shredder auto feed system |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US9669411B2 (en) |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20170173490A1 (en) * | 2015-12-17 | 2017-06-22 | Crayola, Llc | Toy knitting device |
US20190366351A1 (en) * | 2018-05-31 | 2019-12-05 | Bryant D Calloway | Shredder assembly |
US10556236B1 (en) * | 2013-08-23 | 2020-02-11 | Herman Chang | Autofeed paper shredder with input drawer |
CN112619808A (en) * | 2020-12-30 | 2021-04-09 | 得力集团有限公司 | Paper pressing mechanism and drawer type paper shredder with same |
CN112619825A (en) * | 2020-12-30 | 2021-04-09 | 得力集团有限公司 | Paper pressing mechanism and drawer type paper shredder with same |
CN112642552A (en) * | 2020-12-30 | 2021-04-13 | 得力集团有限公司 | Paper pressing mechanism and drawer type paper shredder with same |
CN112718165A (en) * | 2020-12-30 | 2021-04-30 | 得力集团有限公司 | Drawer type paper shredder |
US11084041B2 (en) * | 2019-09-19 | 2021-08-10 | Aurora Office Equipment Co., Ltd. Shanghai | Paper shredder with paper limiter |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11052402B2 (en) * | 2019-02-28 | 2021-07-06 | Aurora Office Equipment Co., Ltd. Shanghai | Automatic paper shredder with staple removing structure and staple removing method using same |
Citations (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4565330A (en) * | 1982-11-30 | 1986-01-21 | Yoshin Giken Co., Ltd. | Shredding apparatus |
US4815669A (en) * | 1986-09-08 | 1989-03-28 | Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha | Shredder |
US4893759A (en) * | 1987-03-05 | 1990-01-16 | Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha | Paper shredder with charge removing means |
US5318229A (en) * | 1992-11-18 | 1994-06-07 | Brown John D | Protective device for paper shredders |
US20080011888A1 (en) * | 2003-10-06 | 2008-01-17 | Amos Mfg., Inc. | Shredding machine |
US7490789B2 (en) * | 2006-02-01 | 2009-02-17 | Ktf Corporation | Shredder with paper feeder and a paper feeder |
US7658342B2 (en) * | 2004-06-14 | 2010-02-09 | Michilin Prosperity Co., Ltd. | Auto-feed buit-in a paper shredder |
US20100032507A1 (en) * | 2008-08-06 | 2010-02-11 | Aurora Office Equipment Co., Ltd. Shanghai | Automatic shredder without choosing the number of paper to be shredded |
US20100176227A1 (en) * | 2009-01-11 | 2010-07-15 | Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited | Anti-jamming assembly for shredders of sheet like material |
US7757985B2 (en) * | 2007-06-27 | 2010-07-20 | Aurora Office Equipment Co., Ltd. | Safety shredder |
US20110297770A1 (en) * | 2005-07-11 | 2011-12-08 | Fellowes, Inc. | Shredder with thickness detector |
US20110297766A1 (en) * | 2010-06-03 | 2011-12-08 | Aurora Office Equipment Co., Ltd. | Thickness Detecting Safety Shredder |
US20110303775A1 (en) * | 2009-02-25 | 2011-12-15 | Royal Sovereign International, Inc. | Automatic paper feed-sensing apparatus for a paper shredder, paper-feeding apparatus comprising same, and paper shredder comprising the automatic paper feed-sensing apparatus and the paper-feeding appatatus |
Family Cites Families (58)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4192467A (en) | 1977-05-06 | 1980-03-11 | Takefumi Hatanaka | Document shredder |
US4232860A (en) | 1978-10-20 | 1980-11-11 | Automecha Ltd. | Paper feeder |
JPS5567347A (en) | 1978-11-15 | 1980-05-21 | Takeshi Hatanaka | Automatic document shredder |
DE3215380A1 (en) | 1982-04-24 | 1983-10-27 | Adolf 7460 Balingen Ehinger | Comminution device for leaf-shaped or strip-shaped information carriers |
DE3219693A1 (en) | 1982-05-26 | 1983-12-01 | Fa. Heinrich Baumann, 6000 Frankfurt | Device for forming processable partial piles from film sheets, in particular paper sheets |
US4529134A (en) | 1983-02-03 | 1985-07-16 | Williams Patent Crusher And Pulverizer Company | Self-clearing shredding apparatus and method of operation thereof |
DE3444709C2 (en) | 1984-12-07 | 1996-05-30 | Gao Ges Automation Org | Device for destroying banknotes |
US4817887A (en) | 1985-12-13 | 1989-04-04 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Device for controlling reel driving motor |
DE3768135D1 (en) | 1986-05-08 | 1991-04-04 | Sharp Kk | SHREDDER. |
JPS6391148A (en) | 1986-10-02 | 1988-04-21 | シャープ株式会社 | Document shredder |
JPH0319944Y2 (en) | 1986-10-03 | 1991-04-26 | ||
DE3733412A1 (en) | 1986-10-03 | 1988-04-14 | Sharp Kk | PAPER FEEDING DEVICE AND DOCUMENT SHREDDER THEREFOR |
EP0281136B1 (en) | 1987-03-04 | 1991-07-17 | Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha | Shredding machine |
JPS63221856A (en) | 1987-03-09 | 1988-09-14 | シャープ株式会社 | Automatic paper feeder for document shredder |
DE3814424A1 (en) | 1988-04-28 | 1989-11-09 | Poettinger Alois Landmasch | Feed apparatus |
DE69109881T2 (en) | 1990-01-30 | 1995-12-07 | Canon Kk | Sheet feeding device. |
DE4102486C2 (en) | 1991-01-29 | 1993-11-04 | Hermann Schwelling | Document shredder with cuttings conveyor |
JPH0568907A (en) | 1991-03-13 | 1993-03-23 | Riso Kagaku Corp | Paper sheet data disposal treatment apparatus |
US5427321A (en) | 1992-07-03 | 1995-06-27 | Meiden Plant Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd. | Waste paper processing system |
US5441249A (en) | 1992-12-22 | 1995-08-15 | Asterisk, Inc | Method and device for separating lifts from a stack of sheets |
US5362002A (en) | 1994-01-10 | 1994-11-08 | Tsai Shao Nong | Paper shredder with automatic paper feeding device |
DE9400310U1 (en) | 1994-01-10 | 1994-05-26 | Tsai, Shao-Nong, Yung-Ho | Paper shredder with automatic paper feed device |
JP3095114B2 (en) | 1994-08-31 | 2000-10-03 | リコーエレメックス株式会社 | Paper feeder for shredder and paper feed method using the same |
US5743473A (en) | 1996-12-05 | 1998-04-28 | Gregg; John Michael | Apparatus for crushing glassware |
DE19712661C2 (en) | 1997-03-26 | 2003-04-10 | Schleicher & Co Int Ag | Scraper for a cutter of a document shredder |
NL1007943C2 (en) | 1997-12-31 | 1999-07-01 | Hadewe Bv | Apparatus and method for separating sheets from a stack. |
US5871162A (en) | 1998-01-02 | 1999-02-16 | Robert C. Rajewski | Paper shredding assembly |
US5884855A (en) | 1998-05-13 | 1999-03-23 | Chang; Frank | Paper feed structure for paper shredders |
US6254079B1 (en) | 1998-11-24 | 2001-07-03 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Sheet processing unit |
US6390397B1 (en) | 1999-10-26 | 2002-05-21 | Joseph Y. Ko | Paper shredding device |
US7491028B2 (en) | 2000-02-03 | 2009-02-17 | Performance Design, Llc | Automatic paper ejector and stacker for punch machine |
US6779747B2 (en) | 2000-04-24 | 2004-08-24 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, Lp. | Intelligent document shredder device |
US6502812B2 (en) | 2000-12-28 | 2003-01-07 | Pitney Bowes Inc. | Method and apparatus for separating a collation from a supply stack |
US6644573B2 (en) | 2001-06-18 | 2003-11-11 | Jere F. Irwin | Comminuting apparatus and pneumatic recirculation systems for comminuting apparatus |
US6938844B2 (en) | 2001-12-26 | 2005-09-06 | Charles A. Castronovo | Zero-clearance cutting systems |
DE10203126C1 (en) | 2002-01-25 | 2003-04-24 | Dahle Buerotechnik Gmbh | Document shredder for itemized shredding sets sheet stack on surface centrally slotted to drop sheet to spreader unit below aided by progressive stack pressure from above |
JP4480355B2 (en) * | 2003-06-27 | 2010-06-16 | シャープ株式会社 | Sheet feeding device, image forming device |
US7040559B2 (en) | 2004-04-02 | 2006-05-09 | Fellowes Inc. | Shredder with lock for on/off switch |
EP1584584A1 (en) | 2004-04-08 | 2005-10-12 | KPL Packaging S.P.A. | Unit for selecting and separating reams from a stack of sheets |
WO2005120712A1 (en) | 2004-06-11 | 2005-12-22 | Biomash Equipment Limited | Apparatus for materials reduction |
EP1870161A4 (en) | 2004-06-26 | 2012-01-04 | Eco Co Ltd | Document shredder device |
US20060054727A1 (en) | 2004-09-15 | 2006-03-16 | Ko Joseph Y | Systems and methods for thermal regulation of shredding device |
KR100699600B1 (en) | 2005-02-17 | 2007-03-23 | 로얄소브린 주식회사 | Shredder |
TWM277519U (en) | 2005-05-09 | 2005-10-11 | Michilin Prosperity Co Ltd | Improve paper shredder cylinder tank for accommodating stacked paper |
US7931860B1 (en) | 2006-05-10 | 2011-04-26 | Lewis Robert W | Waste treatment apparatus and method |
CN101069869A (en) | 2007-06-01 | 2007-11-14 | 上海钜鑫电子有限公司 | Automatic page-separating paper crusher |
CN201012339Y (en) | 2007-02-06 | 2008-01-30 | 东莞市邦泽电子有限公司 | Automatic continuous paper crusher capable of smashing papers with staples |
JP2009012902A (en) | 2007-07-03 | 2009-01-22 | Elm International:Kk | Paper feeding mechanism and paper feeding device for shredder |
US8167223B2 (en) | 2007-07-13 | 2012-05-01 | Fellowes, Inc. | Shredder and auto feed system |
US7828235B2 (en) | 2007-07-13 | 2010-11-09 | Fellowes, Inc. | Shredder auto feed system |
KR100899841B1 (en) | 2007-09-10 | 2009-05-27 | 로얄소브린 주식회사 | Automatic paper supply apparatus for paper shredder |
CN201231172Y (en) | 2008-07-14 | 2009-05-06 | 深圳市齐心文具股份有限公司 | Page paper-feeding device of paper crusher |
US7823873B1 (en) | 2009-06-11 | 2010-11-02 | Chao-Lung Su | Paper feeding device for shredder |
US7963472B2 (en) | 2009-06-19 | 2011-06-21 | Martin Yale Industries, Inc. | Intake limiting device for document shredder |
US20110056952A1 (en) | 2009-09-09 | 2011-03-10 | David Borowski | Waste Collection Device, and Waste Recycling System |
US8091814B2 (en) | 2010-02-23 | 2012-01-10 | Chao-Lung Su | Single-motor shredder |
WO2013033966A1 (en) | 2011-09-05 | 2013-03-14 | 宁波为创办公设备有限公司 | Automatic paper separating structure and automatic paper feeding structure of paper shredder |
US9186678B2 (en) | 2012-10-15 | 2015-11-17 | Fellowes, Inc. | Shredder auto feed system with paper stack separation mechanism |
-
2013
- 2013-09-30 US US14/042,384 patent/US9669411B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4565330A (en) * | 1982-11-30 | 1986-01-21 | Yoshin Giken Co., Ltd. | Shredding apparatus |
US4815669A (en) * | 1986-09-08 | 1989-03-28 | Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha | Shredder |
US4893759A (en) * | 1987-03-05 | 1990-01-16 | Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha | Paper shredder with charge removing means |
US5318229A (en) * | 1992-11-18 | 1994-06-07 | Brown John D | Protective device for paper shredders |
US20080011888A1 (en) * | 2003-10-06 | 2008-01-17 | Amos Mfg., Inc. | Shredding machine |
US7658342B2 (en) * | 2004-06-14 | 2010-02-09 | Michilin Prosperity Co., Ltd. | Auto-feed buit-in a paper shredder |
US20110297770A1 (en) * | 2005-07-11 | 2011-12-08 | Fellowes, Inc. | Shredder with thickness detector |
US7490789B2 (en) * | 2006-02-01 | 2009-02-17 | Ktf Corporation | Shredder with paper feeder and a paper feeder |
US7757985B2 (en) * | 2007-06-27 | 2010-07-20 | Aurora Office Equipment Co., Ltd. | Safety shredder |
US20100032507A1 (en) * | 2008-08-06 | 2010-02-11 | Aurora Office Equipment Co., Ltd. Shanghai | Automatic shredder without choosing the number of paper to be shredded |
US20100176227A1 (en) * | 2009-01-11 | 2010-07-15 | Techtronic Floor Care Technology Limited | Anti-jamming assembly for shredders of sheet like material |
US20110303775A1 (en) * | 2009-02-25 | 2011-12-15 | Royal Sovereign International, Inc. | Automatic paper feed-sensing apparatus for a paper shredder, paper-feeding apparatus comprising same, and paper shredder comprising the automatic paper feed-sensing apparatus and the paper-feeding appatatus |
US20110297766A1 (en) * | 2010-06-03 | 2011-12-08 | Aurora Office Equipment Co., Ltd. | Thickness Detecting Safety Shredder |
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10556236B1 (en) * | 2013-08-23 | 2020-02-11 | Herman Chang | Autofeed paper shredder with input drawer |
US11511285B2 (en) | 2013-08-23 | 2022-11-29 | Herman Chang | Autofeed paper shredder with input drawer |
US20170173490A1 (en) * | 2015-12-17 | 2017-06-22 | Crayola, Llc | Toy knitting device |
US10709215B2 (en) * | 2015-12-17 | 2020-07-14 | Crayola Llc | Toy knitting device |
US20190366351A1 (en) * | 2018-05-31 | 2019-12-05 | Bryant D Calloway | Shredder assembly |
US11084041B2 (en) * | 2019-09-19 | 2021-08-10 | Aurora Office Equipment Co., Ltd. Shanghai | Paper shredder with paper limiter |
CN112619808A (en) * | 2020-12-30 | 2021-04-09 | 得力集团有限公司 | Paper pressing mechanism and drawer type paper shredder with same |
CN112619825A (en) * | 2020-12-30 | 2021-04-09 | 得力集团有限公司 | Paper pressing mechanism and drawer type paper shredder with same |
CN112642552A (en) * | 2020-12-30 | 2021-04-13 | 得力集团有限公司 | Paper pressing mechanism and drawer type paper shredder with same |
CN112718165A (en) * | 2020-12-30 | 2021-04-30 | 得力集团有限公司 | Drawer type paper shredder |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US9669411B2 (en) | 2017-06-06 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US9669411B2 (en) | Shredder auto feed system | |
US7828235B2 (en) | Shredder auto feed system | |
US10124344B2 (en) | Shredder auto feed system with paper stack separation mechanism | |
US11229914B2 (en) | Shredder with paper separation and advancement mechanism | |
CN106179661B (en) | Shredder | |
US8678305B2 (en) | Restrictive throat mechanism for paper shredders | |
US8167223B2 (en) | Shredder and auto feed system | |
US8074912B2 (en) | Auto-feed built-in a paper shredder | |
US8550387B2 (en) | Restrictive throat mechanism for paper shredders | |
US7069972B1 (en) | Electronic tape dispenser | |
CN101011676A (en) | Shredder with paper feeder and a paper feeder | |
CN1541920B (en) | Paper feeding apparatus | |
CN201524592U (en) | shredder | |
US20130269549A1 (en) | Electric embosser and embossing folder for use therewith | |
CN201376808Y (en) | Safety device of electric adhesive tape cutter and adhesive tape cutting device | |
EP1852380B1 (en) | Motorized Adhesive Paper Dispenser | |
CN100588597C (en) | Paper feeding apparatus | |
JP3612229B2 (en) | Paper feeder | |
JP2009050424A (en) | Toilet paper holder | |
CN114618639A (en) | Feeding device of paper shredder | |
CA2734674A1 (en) | Shredder | |
JPS62264132A (en) | Recording device |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: FELLOWES, INC., ILLINOIS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:MATLIN, TAI HOON K.;SURATI, DIPAN PRAVIN;GRUBER, DENNIS WILLIAM;REEL/FRAME:031312/0815 Effective date: 20130930 |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
MAFP | Maintenance fee payment |
Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 4TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1551); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY Year of fee payment: 4 |